US Carries Out Major Airstrikes on Islamic State Targets in Syria

US Central Command (Centcom) said that the United States, along with its partner forces, has carried out large-scale military strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria in retaliation for a deadly attack on US forces last month. 

The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, were conducted on Saturday as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched after an IS ambush in Palmyra on December 13 that killed two American soldiers and a US civilian interpreter. 

According to Centcom, the operation aims to counter terrorism and ensure the safety of US and allied forces operating in the region.

Military officials said more than 90 precision-guided munitions were used against over 35 IS targets, with more than 20 aircraft taking part in the mission. The aircraft included F-15E fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 drones and fighter jets from Jordan. Details regarding the locations of the strikes and possible casualties have not yet been disclosed.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation sends a strong message to extremist groups, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to protecting its personnel. He described the action as a direct response to attacks on US forces.

Operation Hawkeye Strike was first announced in December, and US officials said that prior to the latest airstrikes, American and partner forces had killed or captured nearly 25 IS fighters during multiple missions across Syria. 

Earlier operations included a large joint strike by US and Jordanian forces targeting IS infrastructure and weapons facilities in central Syria.

Syria continues to face instability following the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024.
Although the Islamic State has been significantly weakened, it remains active, particularly in attacks against Kurdish-led forces in the country’s north-eastern regions.