US Launches Massive Airstrike Against IS in Syria Following Deadly Attack

Sun Dec 21 2025 12:47:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant military response, the US has conducted a large-scale airstrike against the Islamic State group in Syria following an attack that resulted in the deaths of American personnel. This operation involved over 70 targets and is seen as a declaration of vengeance.

The US military has executed a 'massive strike' against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, targeting more than 70 locations. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Hawkeye Strike,' comes in response to a deadly ambush that killed two US soldiers. President Trump emphasized the importance of these retaliatory actions, asserting that the US will relentlessly pursue those who threaten its forces. Amidst ongoing tensions, US Central Command stated that the operation utilized over 100 precision munitions, and operations were also supported by Jordan.

The US says its military has carried out a 'massive strike' against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria, in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country.

The US Central Command (Centcom) said fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery 'struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria'. Aircraft from Jordan were also involved.

It said the operation 'employed more than 100 precision munitions' targeting known IS infrastructure and weapons sites.

President Donald Trump said 'we are striking very strongly' against IS strongholds, following the December 13 IS ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter.

In a statement on X, Centcom reported that Operation Hawkeye Strike began at 16:00 Eastern Time on Friday. Centcom's commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, stated that the US 'will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region'.

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), reported that 'at least five members of the Islamic State group were killed' in eastern Syria's Deir ez Zor province. The Royal Jordanian Air Force also participated in the strikes to safeguard the security of regional neighbors.

IS has not publicly commented on the strikes. The operation is described as a declaration of vengeance, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that those who target Americans will be pursued relentlessly.

Trump reiterated that the US is inflicting serious retaliation on terrorists responsible for the attack, which was attributed to an IS gunman engaged and killed during the ambush.

In November, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Trump at the White House, marking a potential shift in relations as Syria joins the US in combating IS.