The United States military carried out extensive airstrikes across central Syria on Friday, targeting dozens of Islamic State positions in response to a deadly attack on American personnel, according to US officials.
The operation, named “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” focused on ISIS fighters, weapons depots, and logistical infrastructure. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strikes and described the mission as a decisive act of retaliation rather than the start of a broader conflict.
“This is not the beginning of a war,” Hegseth said, adding that the mission was intended to deliver swift justice against those responsible. He emphasized that US forces would continue to pursue threats to American personnel wherever necessary.
The strikes followed an attack last weekend near the historic city of Palmyra, where an assailant targeted a joint convoy of US and Syrian forces. Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed, while three other soldiers sustained injuries. The attacker was later shot dead at the scene.
US officials said intelligence assessments confirmed the attacker had links to Islamic State, despite reportedly being associated with Syrian security forces. Syrian authorities later stated the individual was suspected of harboring extremist sympathies.
The United States currently maintains around 1,000 troops in Syria, primarily tasked with preventing the resurgence of Islamic State. In recent months, US-led coalition forces have increased air and ground operations against ISIS remnants, often coordinating with Syrian security units.
Syria’s political landscape has shifted significantly since former president Bashar al-Assad was removed last year following a prolonged civil war. The current government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged cooperation with international efforts against ISIS and recently formalized coordination with the US-led coalition.
Officials in Washington stressed that the latest strikes were narrowly focused and designed to deter further attacks while maintaining regional stability.
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