US Launches Airstrikes Against ISIS in Syria Following Deadly Attack

In a decisive military response, the United States has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria following a deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that this operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, is a declaration of vengeance rather than the start of a war. The airstrikes aim to eliminate ISIS fighters and infrastructure, fulfilling President Trump's promise of serious retaliation. This article delves into the details of the operation and the context surrounding the attacks on US personnel.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 12:54 IST

US Airstrikes Target ISIS in Syria

Washington, Dec 20: The United States has executed airstrikes on numerous Islamic State (IS) positions throughout central Syria as a response to a fatal assault on American personnel that occurred last week.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the strikes were aimed at eliminating “ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weaponry” as part of an operation named Operation Hawkeye Strike, indicating that further actions may be anticipated.

In his statement, Hegseth clarified that this was not the onset of a war but rather a "declaration of vengeance," emphasizing that they have successfully tracked and eliminated many adversaries and will persist in these efforts.

He elaborated on the operation via a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Earlier today, US forces initiated OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eradicate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapon sites in direct retaliation for the attack on US forces that took place on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria.

This is not the start of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States, under President Trump’s guidance, will always act decisively to protect our citizens.”

“As we stated immediately after the brutal attack, if you target Americans — anywhere globally — you will spend the remainder of your short, anxious life aware that the United States will pursue you, locate you, and eliminate you. Today, we hunted and killed our enemies. Many of them. And we will continue,” he added.

The airstrikes were a direct response to an incident last weekend near Palmyra, where two US Army soldiers and a US civilian interpreter lost their lives, and three additional US soldiers sustained injuries.

The assailant targeted a convoy comprising American and Syrian forces before being neutralized by military personnel.

US President Donald Trump had promised “serious retaliation” following the attack. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stated that the strikes were in line with that commitment: “President Trump assured the world that the United States would respond to the killing of our heroes by ISIS in Syria, and he is fulfilling that promise.”