On Friday, December 19, 2025, U.S. forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites in direct response to an attack on U.S. troops.
The operation follows a December 13 attack by a lone gunman in Palmyra, home to UNESCO-listed ancient ruins and once under jihadist control, which killed two soldiers and one civilian, and wounded three service members.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X, using an acronym for the group: 'This is not the beginning of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance.'
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'We are inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible. They WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE.'
U.S. Central Command said the large-scale strikes hit ISIS positions across the Homs desert and rural areas of Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, while Syria's foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fight ISIS and ensure no safe havens remain on Syrian territory.
Analysts say the operation underscores Washington's ongoing campaign against the jihadist group, which has shifted from controlling territory to operating in remote desert enclaves.
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U.S. strikes ISIS group in Syria after deadly attack on troops
cgtn.com
