U.S. launches Hawkeye Strike on ISIS after deadly Palmyra attack
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. forces launched on Saturday a large-scale military operation in Syria targeting ISIS militants, infrastructure, and weapons sites, in response to a deadly attack on U.S. personnel in the Palmyra area earlier this month.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the start of “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” saying the campaign was aimed at eliminating ISIS elements responsible for the Dec. 13 attack on U.S. forces.
“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance,” Hegseth said, stressing that Washington would act decisively against any group targeting Americans.
He added that U.S. forces had already killed multiple ISIS militants and would continue operations.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had begun a “large-scale strike” against ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites across Syria, describing the operation as a direct response to the recent attack on U.S. and partner forces.
The strikes drew praise from U.S. lawmakers. Senator Lindsey Graham commended U.S. troops for what he described as punishing ISIS, saying the operation demonstrated President Donald Trump’s leadership and resolve.
“… the only language ISIS understands: military force,” Graham said, calling for continued pressure to keep the group on the run.
On Dec. 13, ISIS militants carried out a deadly ambush targeting U.S. forces operating in the Palmyra area of central Syria. The attack killed two American service members and a civilian interpreter working with U.S. troops.
Washington described the assault as a terrorist attack and vowed a decisive response, while investigations later indicated the assailant had links to ISIS networks active in the region.