US Strikes Back: Operation Hawkeye Targets ISIS in Syria

In a significant military response, the United States has initiated airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, following a deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of US personnel. Dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, this operation aims to eliminate ISIS fighters and their infrastructure. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that this action is a declaration of vengeance rather than the start of a war. The airstrikes come after President Trump's vow of serious retaliation, fulfilling a promise to protect American lives. Discover the details of this unfolding situation and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 10:51 IST

US Airstrikes in Syria: A Response to ISIS Attack

Washington: In a decisive move, the United States executed airstrikes targeting numerous Islamic State (IS) positions throughout central Syria, following a deadly assault on American personnel last week.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, aimed at eliminating 'ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weaponry,' with the possibility of further actions to come.

Hegseth characterized the strikes as a 'declaration of vengeance' rather than the onset of a war, emphasizing that the US has successfully hunted down many adversaries and intends to persist in these efforts.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth elaborated on the operation: 'Earlier today, US forces initiated OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eradicate ISIS fighters and their resources in direct retaliation for the December 13th attack on US forces in Palmyra.'

'This is not the start of a war; it is a declaration of vengeance. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will not hesitate to protect its citizens.'

'As we stated right after the brutal attack, if you target Americans anywhere globally, you will live the rest of your short, anxious life knowing that the United States will pursue you relentlessly and eliminate you. Today, we hunted and killed our enemies—many of them—and we will continue to do so,' he added.

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

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

In the wake of the attack, President Trump had promised 'serious retaliation.' White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed 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.'