The United States has launched a major military operation against ISIL positions in Syria, one week after two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed near Palmyra. President Donald Trump described the strikes as “very serious retaliation” against the militant group.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump confirmed that US forces are carrying out a large-scale assault on ISIL targets across central Syria.
“Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria. I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation,” he wrote.
The operation, officially named Operation Hawkeye Strike, is aimed at ISIL fighters, command hubs, weapons depots, and logistical infrastructure.
Coordination with Syrian authorities
Trump said Syria’s new government, formed after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, is fully backing the US action. Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to fighting ISIL and welcoming assistance from the US and coalition partners to dismantle remaining militant safe havens.
Details of the strikes
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called the campaign a “declaration of vengeance,” confirming that multiple ISIL positions were successfully hit. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation involved fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery units, with more than 100 precision-guided munitions deployed.
The Jordanian Armed Forces also took part in the operation by providing fighter aircraft support.
Background
The strikes were launched in response to a deadly attack in Palmyra, where an ISIL assailant targeted a joint US-Syrian convoy, killing two US National Guard members and a civilian interpreter, and injuring three other American soldiers.
The US-led coalition has continued air and ground operations in Syria in recent years to contain and dismantle ISIL remnants, often working alongside Syrian security forces.
US officials said around 1,000 American troops remain stationed in Syria with a mandate focused on counterterrorism operations. They emphasized that Operation Hawkeye Strike is a targeted response and does not signal the start of a broader conflict.
The Trump administration has reiterated its support for Syria’s new leadership while maintaining firm military pressure on ISIL to prevent further attacks on civilians or coalition forces.
