The Kingdom of Jordan has officially confirmed that its air force participated in a series of military strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria. The operation, conducted in coordination with the United States, took place on December 20, 2025.
Details of the Joint Military Operation
According to statements released by Jordanian officials, the country's aircraft joined American forces in targeting Islamic State infrastructure and positions within Syrian territory. The U.S. military had previously publicized imagery related to the operation, including a photo from December 19, 2025, showing a U.S. Airman preparing an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for a mission.
That flight was part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, a mission conducted from a base within the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility. The involvement of the Jordanian Royal Air Force marks a significant escalation in the country's direct military actions against the militant group, which has posed a persistent threat to regional stability.
Regional Security and Coalition Efforts
Jordan has long been a key partner in the U.S.-led coalition formed to combat the Islamic State. The nation shares a border with Syria and has been directly impacted by the spillover of conflict and terrorism from its northern neighbor. This latest air campaign underscores the ongoing commitment of regional allies to counter the remnants of IS, which continue to launch insurgent attacks despite losing its territorial caliphate years earlier.
The coordinated strikes highlight the continued military cooperation between Washington and Amman. Both nations view the persistent presence of Islamic State factions in Syria as a direct national security concern requiring proactive measures.
Context and Implications
The announcement of Jordan's involvement comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. While the primary focus of the operation was the degradation of IS capabilities, such actions also carry implications for the broader balance of power and influence within Syria. The Jordanian government has consistently emphasized that its military interventions are solely aimed at eliminating terrorist threats and securing its borders.
There was no immediate information released regarding the specific locations hit within Syria or an assessment of the damage inflicted on Islamic State forces. Military analysts suggest that such targeted strikes are crucial for disrupting the group's logistics, command structure, and ability to plan external operations.
The participation of Jordan's air force in this December 2025 operation reaffirms the nation's pivotal role in the international coalition's enduring mission to ensure the lasting defeat of the Islamic State.
