US Strikes Back: Major Military Action Against ISIS in Syria

Sun Dec 21 2025 13:55:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant military operation, the US has targeted ISIS groups in Syria following a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of American soldiers. The operation, dubbed 'Hawkeye Strike', involved extensive use of air power and artillery.

The US has launched a powerful airstrike against ISIS in Syria, hitting over 70 targets in retaliation for an attack that killed two American soldiers. More than 100 precision munitions were used in 'Operation Hawkeye Strike', which aimed to dismantle ISIS infrastructure. President Trump declared the operation a strong message to those who threaten US forces.

The US says its military has carried out a massive strike against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria, in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country.

The US Central Command (Centcom) reported that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria, with support from aircraft based in Jordan.

During the operation, over 100 precision munitions were deployed, targeting known IS infrastructure and weapon sites. President Donald Trump emphasized the strong response to IS, following the ambush on December 13 that killed two US soldiers and one civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

In a statement, Centcom confirmed that Operation Hawkeye Strike was initiated at 4:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday. Commander Admiral Brad Cooper reiterated the US's commitment to pursuing terrorists threatening Americans.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that at least five ISIS members, including a cell leader responsible for drones, were killed during the strikes in eastern Syria.

Jordan's Royal Air Force participated in the mission, aiming to prevent extremist threats to regional security. The US has maintained a military presence in Syria since 2015, aiding local forces in combating IS.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a declaration of vengeance, asserting the US's readiness to retaliate against those who target American lives.

Despite IS being reported to have lost its territory in Syria in 2019, the UN estimates the group still possesses thousands of fighters across Syria and Iraq, signaling that potential threats remain.