The United States military conducted a series of airstrikes on Friday, targeting multiple sites in Syria linked to ISIS. This military action comes as a direct response to a recent attack that claimed the lives of two American service members. According to two officials from the US military, approximately 70 targets were struck during this operation.
President Donald Trump announced the operation, dubbed “Operation Hawkeye,” through a post on Truth Social, emphasizing the seriousness of the retaliation against the “murderous terrorists” responsible for the attack. The name of the operation pays tribute to the two soldiers, both from Iowa, also known as the "Hawkeye State." The military strikes focused on ISIS infrastructure, including weapons storage facilities dispersed throughout Syria.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the strikes as a “declaration of vengeance,” asserting that the United States will not waver in its commitment to protect its personnel. In a statement on X, he reiterated the administration's resolve, stating, “This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance.”
The attacks on December 13 resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Following this incident, US and partner forces initiated ten operations that led to the death or capture of approximately 23 individuals connected to the attack. This series of operations also provided valuable intelligence, which assisted in identifying the targets for the recent airstrikes.
As part of a longstanding mission to combat ISIS in Syria, hundreds of American troops remain deployed in the region. This mission began when ISIS gained control of significant territories in Syria and Iraq during the mid-2010s. US and coalition operations, alongside changes in the Syrian regime, have significantly diminished ISIS's territorial holdings.
The primary objective of Operation Hawkeye is to deliver a substantial blow to the remaining ISIS forces in Syria and to mitigate the threat they pose to US military personnel. According to a military official, partner nations, including Jordan, participated in the strikes, underscoring a collaborative effort against ISIS strongholds in the region.
In his remarks, President Trump described Syria as a land “soaked in blood” but expressed optimism about its future should ISIS be eradicated. He acknowledged the efforts of the Syrian government, which he claims is working diligently to restore the country’s greatness.
Despite the US administration's vows for retaliation against ISIS following the attack, reports from CNN indicate that Syria’s Ministry of Interior Affairs has identified the assailant as a member of Syria’s Internal Security service. Both US and Syrian officials have acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding the gunman’s affiliations with ISIS, as the terrorist organization has yet to claim responsibility for the assault.
The two American service members killed in Syria have been identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, Iowa. They lost their lives while engaging hostile forces in Palmyra, as reported by the US Army. Both soldiers were part of the Iowa National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, within the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division.
Additionally, three other members of the Iowa National Guard sustained injuries during the attack and were evacuated for medical treatment. In a statement, Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborne, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, expressed condolences, stating, “Our priority right now is supporting the families of our fallen and wounded soldiers.” He emphasized the collective grief of the Iowa National Guard community during this tragic time.
Earlier this year, approximately 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers were deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, as confirmed by a release from Governor Kim Reynolds' office. This ongoing commitment highlights the United States' dedication to combating ISIS and ensuring the safety of its service members.
This article will continue to be updated as more developments arise in this critical situation.