US carries out 'large-scale' strikes on 70 targets in Syria
What's the story
The United States has launched a large-scale military operation in Syria, targeting the Islamic State (ISIS) group. The operation, named "Operation Hawkeye Strike," comes after an ambush that killed two US soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. According to a US official quoted by AP, the strikes hit around 70 targets across central Syria linked to ISIS infrastructure and weapons. More strikes are anticipated as part of this ongoing operation.0
Retaliation explained
Operation Hawkeye Strike: A response to recent ambush
The military operation is in direct retaliation for an attack in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13. The attack killed two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter who were supporting "Operation Inherent Resolve," the US-led mission against ISIS. The attacker was shot dead after targeting a convoy of American and Syrian forces. Three other US soldiers were injured in the attack.
Official statements
US President and defense secretary's statements on operation
US President Donald Trump announced the strikes, calling them a response to the "ISIS's vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria." He emphasized the need to strike strongly against ISIS strongholds in Syria. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on X (formerly Twitter), "This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance." He added, "Today, we hunted, and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue."
Operation details
Targets and military assets involved in Operation Hawkeye
The operation targeted ISIS infrastructure, weapons depots, and operational bases across central Syria. Reports indicate that F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters were used in the strikes. The name "Hawkeye" pays tribute to Iowa, the home state of the two soldiers killed in the ambush, according to an official quoted by CNN. The attacker in the recent ambush was reportedly a member of Syrian security forces suspected of sympathizing with ISIS.
Troop reduction
US plans to reduce troop levels in Syria
Despite his skepticism about US troop deployments in Syria, Trump ordered a withdrawal during his first term. However, American forces remain deployed in the country. The Pentagon announced plans to halve US troop levels in Syria over the coming months. Eventually, Washington aims to reduce its footprint to one base. Currently, US forces are stationed in northeast Syria and at Al-Tanf near the Jordanian border.