The US Central Command (Centcom) has announced that the United States and its partner forces executed extensive strikes against Islamic State (IS) group targets in Syria. These military actions were ordered by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, as part of a broader initiative known as Operation Hawkeye Strike. This operation serves as a direct response to a recent deadly attack on US forces by the IS group on December 13.
According to Centcom, the strikes were intended to combat terrorism and safeguard both US and partner forces in the region. Centcom emphasized a clear message, stating, "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." This firm stance highlights the US commitment to protecting its military personnel and partners.
During this operation, over 90 precision munitions were launched at more than 35 identified targets. The operation utilized a robust air fleet, including more than 20 aircraft such as F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s. An official source informed CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that the scale of this operation underscores the seriousness of the US response to IS threats.
The full extent of the strikes' impact and any potential casualties remains uncertain. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the US commitment on X, stating, "We will never forget, and never relent," in relation to the military actions taken. The Trump administration first unveiled Operation Hawkeye Strike in December, following an ambush in Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
In December, Hegseth characterized the operation as "not the beginning of a war - it is a declaration of vengeance." He emphasized that under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will not hesitate to defend its people against terrorist threats.
Prior to the recent strikes, US forces had successfully killed or captured nearly 25 IS group members during 11 missions conducted between December 20 and December 29, as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. The operation's initial mission on December 19 involved a significant strike against the IS group, where US and Jordanian forces deployed fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery to target over 70 locations across central Syria. This initial operation employed more than 100 precision munitions aimed at dismantling known IS infrastructure and weapons sites.
As the situation develops, the US remains resolute in its mission to eliminate the threat posed by the Islamic State group and protect its personnel in the region.