The United States has launched what it described as a “large-scale attack” against Islamic State (IS) targets in central Syria, following an ambush last week that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American interpreter near the city of Palmyra.
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In a brief statement released on Friday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that American forces had initiated “a large-scale attack against IS infrastructure and weapons storage facilities in Syria.” The command stated that the operation was carried out in response to the attack against U.S. forces and their allies on December 13.
Shortly after the announcement, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation on social media, saying it had been named Operation Hawk Eye Attack. “This is not the beginning of a war, it is a statement of vengeance,” Hegseth wrote.
Tonight, U.S. and Jordanian forces struck 70+ ISIS targets in Syria with 100+ precision munitions. Peace through strength. pic.twitter.com/XWWvfqBBFT
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 20, 2025
He added: “As we said immediately after the brutal attack (of December 13), if you attack Americans anywhere in the world, you will spend the rest of your short and anguished life knowing that the United States will pursue you, find you, and eliminate you mercilessly.”
According to an anonymous U.S. official cited by The New York Times, dozens of suspected IS positions across several areas of central Syria were targeted using fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery barrages. The official said the bombardment was expected to last several hours.
Night strikes in Syria⚔️🚨
U.S. and Jordanian forces carried out strikes on over 70 ISIS targets, using more than 100 precision-guided munitions. pic.twitter.com/5tyvH256yK
— China pulse | 中国脉搏 🇨🇳 (@Eng_china5) December 20, 2025
The December 13 ambush, carried out by a lone gunman, took place near Palmyra and resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and an interpreter. They were the first Americans to die in Syria since the fall of the government of Bashar al-Assad last year.
In a separate statement posted on the social media platform X, CENTCOM described the operation as the most extensive U.S. military action in Syria since the collapse of the Syrian government. The statement confirmed that the overnight strikes were directly linked to the deaths of three Americans, including two military personnel, in the Palmyra attack.
The attacks come a week after three Americans, including two US soldiers, were killed in Syria’s Palmyra. https://t.co/BdDzaLeHla
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 20, 2025
Sources cited in regional reporting said that U.S. troops stationed at the Al-Shaddadi base, located south of the northeastern city of Al-Hasaka, also participated in the operation. The attacks reportedly included airstrikes and missile launches and were supported by fighter aircraft from the Jordanian Armed Forces.
U.S. authorities have repeatedly justified their military presence in Syria on security grounds, arguing that it has prevented Islamic State from regaining strength in the country.
The latest strikes highlight the continuation of U.S. military operations in Syria following last year’s political shift, as Washington maintains actions it says are aimed at targeting Islamic State infrastructure and responding to attacks on its personnel.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.