U.S. LAUNCHES NEW WAVE OF AIRSTRIKES AGAINST ISLAMIC STATE TARGETS IN SYRIA

U.S. Launches New Wave of Airstrikes Against Islamic State Targets in Syria

The United States has carried out a fresh series of large-scale military strikes in Syria targeting positions linked to the Islamic State group, following a deadly ambush in the ancient city of Palmyra that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter.

The latest operation, conducted in coordination with allied partner forces, struck multiple Islamic State locations across different parts of Syria. U.S. officials said the action was a direct response to the December attack, which marked one of the deadliest incidents involving American personnel in the country in recent months.

Operation Hawkeye Strike Continues

According to the U.S. Central Command, the strikes are part of an ongoing military campaign known as Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched in mid-December under the direction of former President Donald Trump. The operation aims to dismantle remaining Islamic State networks and prevent the group from regrouping in the region.

Just weeks earlier, U.S. forces conducted a similar assault on December 19, hitting around 70 Islamic State targets in central Syria. Those earlier strikes focused on destroying weapons storage sites, operational hubs, and logistical infrastructure used by the extremist group.

Military officials emphasized that the latest attacks were carefully planned and executed to degrade the group’s operational capabilities while supporting coalition objectives in the region.

Deadly Palmyra Ambush

The December ambush in Palmyra triggered a swift response from Washington. The attack killed three Americans, including two members of the Iowa National Guard who were deployed as part of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State militants. The third victim was a civilian interpreter who was supporting coalition operations.

U.S. military leaders described the attack as a deliberate and targeted assault on coalition forces and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.

In a strong statement following the strikes, U.S. Central Command warned that any group or individual responsible for harming American service members would face severe consequences, regardless of location or efforts to evade detection.

U.S.–Syria Relations Under Pressure

The ambush came at a sensitive moment in U.S.–Syria relations, which have shown signs of improvement since the removal of longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad about a year ago. The attack was seen as an early test of the evolving security partnership between the two countries.

Former President Trump stated that Syrian forces were operating alongside U.S. troops and confirmed that Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, strongly condemned the attack. Trump described the Syrian leader as deeply angered by the incident and committed to strengthening cooperation with U.S. forces.

Growing Cooperation Against Islamic State

In recent months, Syria has increased its collaboration with international partners in the fight against Islamic State. The country has formally joined the global coalition targeting the extremist group, signaling a shift in its approach to regional security.

U.S. officials say joint operations and intelligence-sharing with Syrian security forces are expanding as both sides work to prevent Islamic State from exploiting instability and regaining influence.

Ongoing Threat Remains

Despite losing much of its territory, Islamic State continues to pose a threat through ambushes, bombings, and guerrilla-style attacks, particularly in remote areas of Syria. U.S. military leaders stress that sustained pressure is necessary to ensure the group cannot reorganize or launch future attacks against coalition forces.

As Operation Hawkeye Strike continues, the United States has reiterated its commitment to protecting its personnel and maintaining regional stability, while warning extremist groups that attacks on American forces will not go unanswered.