Massive US Military Strike Targets Islamic State Forces in Syria

Sun Dec 21 2025 12:03:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In retaliation for a recent attack that killed American personnel, the US launches a substantial military operation against IS in Syria, claiming to have struck over 70 targets.

Following the deadly ambush on US forces in Syria, the US military executed a massive strike against the Islamic State, utilizing over 100 precision munitions on multiple targets. This operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, saw collaboration with the Royal Jordanian Air Force and aims to eliminate the threats posed by IS to regional stability.

The US says its military has carried out a massive strike against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria, in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country.

The US Central Command (Centcom) said fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria. Aircraft from Jordan were also involved.

It said the operation employed more than 100 precision munitions targeting known IS infrastructure and weapons sites.

President Donald Trump stated that we are striking very strongly against IS strongholds, following the December 13 IS ambush in Palmyra which resulted in the death of two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter.

Centcom confirmed that Operation Hawkeye Strike was initiated at 16:00 Eastern Time on Friday and highlighted the US commitment to pursuing terrorists who threaten American lives and those of its allies.

Reports indicate that at least five IS members were killed in the strikes, including a leader involved with drone operations in the region. The Royal Jordanian Air Force's involvement was announced to further secure the region's stability.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the operation as a declaration of vengeance, stating, If you target Americans - anywhere in the world - you will encounter the relentless pursuit of US forces. The ambition to remove IS threats comes amid claims of their continued presence in Syria, despite losing major territories in recent years.

In 2019, the US and its allies announced they had defeated IS militarily in Syria; however, the UN estimates that 5,000 to 7,000 IS fighters remain active in the area.