The United States military, alongside partner forces, has executed another significant round of retaliatory airstrikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria. This action is a direct response to a deadly ambush last month that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Operation Hawkeye Strike Intensifies
According to U.S. Central Command, the large-scale strikes occurred around 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, hitting multiple Islamic State targets across Syria. This latest operation is part of the ongoing Operation Hawkeye Strike, President Donald Trump's authorized response to the attack in Palmyra.
That attack killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, both members of the Iowa National Guard, as well as civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. The operation was launched on December 19 with an initial strike that hit approximately 70 targets containing ISIS infrastructure and weapons in central Syria.
In a stark statement released Saturday, U.S. Central Command issued a clear warning: "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice."
Shifting Alliances in the Fight Against ISIS
The geopolitical landscape in Syria is evolving, influencing the U.S. approach. For years, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) served as Washington's primary partner against ISIS. However, following the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024, the U.S. has increasingly coordinated with the central government in Damascus.
This shift was underscored just a day before the U.S. strikes, when Syrian officials announced their security forces had arrested the military leader of ISIS operations in the Levant region. Furthermore, Syria has recently joined the global coalition against the Islamic State, marking a significant diplomatic development.
The U.S. military confirmed Saturday's strikes were conducted with partner forces but did not specify which nations or groups participated, highlighting the complex and multi-faceted nature of the current campaign.
A Sustained Campaign of Retribution
The latest airstrikes signal that Operation Hawkeye Strike is an ongoing, sustained campaign rather than a one-time event. The U.S. is demonstrating its commitment to pursuing ISIS operatives responsible for attacks on American personnel, regardless of location.
This continued military pressure, coupled with the new cooperation from Damascus and Syria's entry into the anti-ISIS coalition, suggests a potentially intensified and more coordinated effort to degrade the terrorist group's remaining capabilities in the region. The long-term strategy aims to prevent future attacks and ensure accountability for the lives lost in Palmyra.
