On Friday, December 19, 2025, U.S. forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeting dozens of Islamic State sites across central Syria. The action was ordered in direct retaliation to a December 13 attack near the ancient city of Palmyra, where two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed.
"U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13 in Palmyra, Syria," posted U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on X.
Central Syria, long a contested landscape, has seen a resurgence in Islamic State activity this year, with insurgent cells exploiting remote deserts and abandoned oil facilities. Analysts say the new strikes seek to disrupt the group's command networks and prevent further assaults on international forces.
While details on the exact number of targets have not been released, military officials describe the operation as one of the most extensive U.S. air campaigns in the region this year. Beyond airstrikes, U.S. forces coordinated with allied ground units toidentify high-value sites and minimize civilian harm.
Regional experts note that Operation Hawkeye Strike sends a clear signal of the U.S. military's commitment to protecting its personnel and partners, even as global attention focuses on emerging challenges in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Observers on the ground in Palmyra report that local communities, still recovering from decades of conflict and cultural heritage destruction, remain on edge. The balance between decisive counterterrorism measures and stability for residents will be critical in the coming weeks.
As of December 20, U.S. Central Command continues to assess the operation's impact, with senior officials promising updates on the success of the strikes and any anticipated follow-up actions.
Reference(s):
U.S. strikes Islamic State in Syria after deadly attack on troops
cgtn.com
