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The United States military has carried out extensive air and artillery strikes against ISIL (ISIS) targets in Syria, following the killing of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the ancient city of Palmyra last week.
US President Donald Trump announced the operation during a speech on Friday evening in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, saying he had ordered a “massive and precise” assault against those responsible for the deadly attack on American personnel.
“I ordered a massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week,” Trump said. “It was very successful. We hit every site flawlessly, and we are restoring peace through strength all over the world.”
The operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeted ISIL fighters, infrastructure and weapons facilities across multiple regions of Syria, according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He described the attack as an act of retaliation rather than the start of a broader conflict.
“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance,” Hegseth said in a social media post. “Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. And we will continue.”
Over 100 Precision Munitions Used
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces deployed fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery, firing more than 100 precision-guided munitions at approximately 70 ISIL-linked targets. CENTCOM did not disclose casualty figures or exact strike locations but confirmed that Jordanian fighter aircraft supported the operation.
Local residents in Palmyra and Raqqa reported hearing fighter jets and powerful explosions throughout the night, according to sources cited by Al Jazeera. The strikes reportedly hit central and northeastern parts of Syria.
Syrian Government Signals Support
President Trump also stated on his Truth Social platform that Syria’s new government had expressed full support for the US military action. Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its commitment to fighting ISIL, saying it welcomed cooperation with the United States and members of the international coalition.
“The Syrian Arab Republic reiterates its steadfast commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring it has no safe havens on Syrian territory,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X. It added that Syria would continue intensifying operations wherever ISIL poses a threat.
Although it remains unclear whether Syrian forces directly participated in the strikes, US officials said Damascus appeared to have approved the operation.
Regional and Political Implications
The strikes come amid efforts by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to rehabilitate Syria’s international standing following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024. US authorities had previously designated al-Sharaa a terrorist, but he was removed from the US Treasury’s sanctions list last month ahead of a meeting with President Trump.
Analysts say the operation increases pressure on the Syrian government, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, the United States and Jordan to coordinate more closely against lingering ISIL threats.
Last weekend’s attack in Palmyra killed two US National Guard members and a civilian interpreter when a convoy of US and Syrian forces was ambushed. Three additional US soldiers were wounded. The US military blamed ISIL for the attack and vowed retaliation.
Ongoing US Presence in Syria
Approximately 1,000 US troops remain stationed in Syria as part of a long-running mission to prevent ISIL’s resurgence. While ISIL was territorially defeated in Syria in 2018, the group continues to carry out sporadic attacks.
Palmyra, once a stronghold for ISIL in 2015, suffered widespread destruction of ancient ruins and was the site of mass executions before being retaken by Syrian forces 10 months later.
As Syria marks one year since the fall of Assad, the country continues to face significant security and economic challenges after more than a decade of civil war. US officials say eliminating ISIL remnants is central to helping Syria transition into a more stable and sovereign future.
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