In a significant military response, the United States has launched extensive airstrikes targeting the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria. This action was confirmed by the US Central Command (Centcom), highlighting the ongoing commitment to combat terrorism and safeguard both American and allied forces in the area.
The directive for these strikes came directly from President Donald Trump on a Saturday, and they are part of what is termed Operation Hawkeye Strike. This operation was initiated as a direct consequence of a tragic incident on December 13, when the IS group executed a lethal attack against US personnel stationed in Syria, as noted by Centcom on the platform X.
Centcom emphasized that their message to those who threaten US forces is unequivocal: "If you harm our warfighters, we will locate you and eliminate you wherever you are in the world, regardless of how hard you attempt to evade justice."
In this operation, US and coalition forces deployed over 90 precision-guided munitions, striking more than 35 specific targets. The operation saw participation from an impressive array of over 20 aircraft, according to an official source that spoke to CBS News, which collaborates with the BBC in the United States. The aircraft involved included F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9 drones, along with Jordanian F-16s.
While details regarding the exact locations of these strikes and any potential casualties remain unclear at this time, the scale of the operation indicates a serious commitment to dismantling IS capabilities in the region.
The Trump administration first unveiled Operation Hawkeye Strike in December, following a heart-wrenching ambush in Palmyra, Syria, where an IS gunman killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. At that time, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the initiative as "not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance," asserting that under President Trump's leadership, the US would remain resolute in its defense of its citizens.
Prior to the recent strikes, US forces had already made significant progress against the IS group, reportedly killing or capturing nearly 25 members during 11 distinct operations conducted between December 20 and December 29, as stated by US officials.
