The United States has launched a major military operation in Syria aimed at targeting the Islamic State (ISIS), following a deadly attack on American forces earlier this month. The operation, named Operation
Hawkeye Strike, began on Friday and focuses on eliminating ISIS terrorists, weapons depots and operational bases.
US officials said the strikes were carried out in direct response to an ISIS attack on December 13 in Palmyra, Syria, in which three American personnel were killed.
““This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under US President Donald Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people,” said Secretary Of War Pete Hegseth.
“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under@POTUS Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.”
– @SecWar Pete Hegseth https://t.co/kxEE9Qa7sz
“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under @POTUS Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.”
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) December 19, 2025
– @SecWar Pete Hegseth https://t.co/kxEE9Qa7sz
The December attack on US forces marked one of the deadliest assaults on American troops in the region this year. The victims were later brought back to the United States, where a formal ceremony was held in their honour.
President Donald Trump had earlier warned that those responsible would face serious consequences. Following the launch of the operation, the White House described the strikes as a firm response meant to deter future attacks on American forces stationed overseas.
Trump says ISIS will be hit harder
President Trump also addressed the strikes in a message on Truth Social. He said the action was promised retaliation for the killing of American personnel and that the US was striking ISIS strongholds across Syria.
Trump stated that Syria, despite years of conflict, could have a better future if ISIS was fully eliminated. He added that the Syrian government was aware of the action and supported efforts to remove the terror group from the region.
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Defence Secretary issues strong warning
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a strongly worded statement after the operation began. In a post on social media platform X, he said the strikes were not the start of a wider war but a direct act of retaliation.
He said the United States would not hesitate to defend its citizens and warned that any group targeting Americans would be hunted down. According to Hegseth, US forces had already killed several ISIS fighters during the initial phase of the operation and would continue targeting the group.
US focus on counter-terrorism
The United States has maintained a military presence in parts of Syria as part of its long-running campaign against ISIS. Although the group lost much of its territory in previous years, US officials say it continues to operate through sleeper cells and sporadic attacks.
With Operation Hawkeye Strike now underway, American leaders have made it clear that attacks on US forces will be met with swift and forceful action.
