On Friday, December 19, 2025, the United States unleashed a large-scale military offensive against various targets in Syria linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), according to the U.S. military.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that these airstrikes were a direct response to the December 13 assault in Palmyra, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Dubbed "Operation Hawkeye Strike," the mission—also known as "Operation Hawkeye"—targeted numerous ISIS-related sites, including infrastructure and weapon storage facilities across Syria. This name honors the fallen soldiers who hailed from Iowa, famously known as the "Hawkeye State."
Hegseth characterized the strikes as a "statement of retaliation," emphasizing that the action should not be seen as the onset of a new war but rather as a specific counteraction to ISIS's aggression, as reported in various media outlets.
In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump warned: "Any terrorist wicked enough to attack Americans will be hit harder than ever if they threaten or harm the U.S. in any way."
Following the Palmyra attack, American and allied forces conducted ten operations that resulted in the capture or death of approximately 23 individuals. Intelligence gathered from electronic devices during these missions helped pinpoint Friday's airstrike targets, according to sources.
A CNN-referenced official reported that the offensive hit dozens of ISIS-affiliated sites, spanning from infrastructure to weapon depots throughout Syria.
Additionally, Reuters highlighted the involvement of aircraft such as F-15s, A-10s, F-16s, Apache helicopters, and HIMARS launched from Jordan. Partner nations, including Jordan, collaborated with the U.S. in this operation.
While Washington linked the targets to ISIS, CNN noted that Syria's Interior Ministry identified the December 13 attacker as a member of Syria's Internal Security Service. Both American and Syrian officials acknowledged that the assailant's ties to ISIS were not fully confirmed. Moreover, ISIS had not publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Several hundred U.S. troops continue their deployment in Syria, part of an enduring mission to dismantle ISIS. This effort began in the mid-2010s when the jihadist group expanded its reach and seized significant territories in Syria and Iraq.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Military Actions in Syria
What prompted the recent U.S. airstrikes in Syria?
The airstrikes were prompted by an attack on December 13 in Palmyra, Syria, which killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The U.S. military targeted ISIS-linked sites in retaliation.
What was the objective of "Operation Hawkeye Strike"?
"Operation Hawkeye Strike" aimed to retaliate against ISIS by targeting infrastructure and weapon storage facilities connected to the group across Syria.
Did the Islamic State claim responsibility for the Palmyra attack?
No, the Islamic State did not publicly claim responsibility for the Palmyra attack, and the assailant's connection to ISIS remains unclear.