US Unleashes Major Strikes on IS Targets in Syria After Killing of 3 Americans

Table of Contents

1. US Strike Against ISIS
2. Operation Hawkeye Strike Details
3. Casualties and Retaliation
4. International Cooperation
5. Conclusion

The United States has conducted another lethal strike against ISIS in Syria as revenge for the deaths of three Americans.

The US military confirmed that it executed “large-scale strikes” targeting multiple ISIS locations throughout Syria on Saturday evening.

US Central Command announced that American forces, along with regional allies, initiated the attacks around 12:30 PM Eastern Time (5:30 PM UK time) as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.

This assault was directly ordered by President Donald Trump in response to an ISIS ambush on December 13 that resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and an American civilian interpreter.

CENTCOM stated that the operation is part of Washington’s ongoing mission to “eradicate Islamic terrorism targeting our military personnel, prevent future assaults, and protect American and allied forces in the region.”

Two National Guard soldiers and their US civilian interpreter were killed in an ambush by a suspected Islamic State gunman in Palmyra on December 13.

American forces have now conducted fresh military actions against ISIS targets, as reported by Fox News, in retaliation for the deaths of Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29.

No additional details regarding the latest strike have been disclosed, and President Donald Trump has yet to provide an official statement.

According to the Trump Administration, US Central Command (CENTCOM) executed 11 missions between December 20 and December 29, following initial airstrikes on ISIS weaponry and infrastructure.

These strikes, conducted in collaboration with Jordanian forces, targeted 70 sites across central Syria, destroying weapon depots and supply chains.

Four weapons caches were eliminated during subsequent missions involving US troops and regional partners, including Syrian forces.

“We will not waver,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated.

“We remain committed to collaborating with regional partners to eliminate the ISIS threat posed to US and regional security.”

Cooper added that US forces would continue “to pursue terrorist operatives, dismantle ISIS networks, and work with partners to avert an ISIS resurgence.”

Military officials indicated that targets ranged from high-ranking ISIS figures under surveillance to low-level foot soldiers.

A US official revealed that enhanced cooperation with Syria’s new government has enabled American forces to strike areas that were previously inaccessible.

Syrian troops were instrumental in several missions this year, the official noted.

British forces have also launched new attacks on ISIS.

RAF aircraft targeted a complex near Palmyra.

This facility, concealed in mountainous terrain north of the ancient city, was identified as a former Daesh explosives storage site.

RAF aircraft, supported by a Voyager refueling tanker, dropped precision-guided Paveway IV bombs on tunnel entrances leading into the site.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the strike was successful.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the attack demonstrated the UK’s “commitment to collaborating with our allies” to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.

“This operation, aimed at eliminating dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, illustrates how our Armed Forces are prepared year-round,” he remarked.

The recent strikes follow Trump’s order for a significant assault in response to the December ambush.

US forces executed what the Pentagon described as a “large-scale” retaliation, targeting 70 ISIS weapon and infrastructure sites across Syria.

Over 100 precision munitions were deployed during the assault, with Jordanian warplanes joining US fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery units.

Trump confirmed the operation in a Truth Social post, stating: “Due to ISIS’s brutal killing of courageous American Patriots in Syria, whose beautiful souls I welcomed back to American soil earlier this week in a dignified ceremony, I am announcing that the United States is, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible.”

He cautioned: “All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE IF YOU, IN ANY WAY, ATTACK OR THREATEN THE U.S.A.”

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that Operation Hawkeye Strike aims to eliminate ISIS fighters, weaponry, and infrastructure.

“This is not the onset of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance,” he asserted.

“If you target Americans – anywhere in the world – you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing that the United States will hunt you down, find you, and eliminate you ruthlessly.

“Today, we hunted and we eliminated our enemies. Many of them. And we will persist.”

The December 13 attack occurred while US and Syrian forces were engaged in counter-terror operations.

CENTCOM reported: “Two US service members and one US civilian were killed, and three service members were injured due to an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria.”

The gunman was subsequently

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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