SYRIA: The US, alongside partner forces, has launched extensive strikes against Islamic State (IS) positions in Syria, the US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed.
The operation, directed by President Donald Trump on Saturday, is part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, carried out in retaliation for an IS attack on US personnel on 13 December, Centcom stated on X.
“These strikes are intended to combat terrorism and protect US and allied forces in the region,” Centcom said. “Our message is clear: anyone who harms our forces will be found and dealt with, no matter where they hide.”
According to officials, more than 90 precision munitions were deployed against over 35 targets using more than 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s. Details on the exact locations and casualties remain unclear.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the US stance on X, stating, “We will never forget, and never relent.”
The Trump administration first announced Operation Hawkeye Strike after IS fighters killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra, central Syria, in December. At the time, Hegseth described the operation as a “declaration of vengeance,” emphasizing that the US under President Trump would continue to protect its personnel.
Before Saturday’s strikes, US forces had killed or captured nearly 25 IS members in 11 missions between 20 and 29 December. The operation’s initial mission on 19 December involved a “massive strike” by US and Jordanian forces, targeting over 70 IS positions with more than 100 precision munitions, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery.
Syria remains fragile following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, which ended a 13-year civil war. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now serves as the country’s president.
Although IS has been weakened in Syria, it continues to carry out attacks, mainly targeting Kurdish-led forces in the northeast throughout 2025.
(Inputs from BBC)
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