On Saturday, the United States military carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State group targets across Syria, officials said, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s campaign against the extremist organisation. The operation, conducted under the banner of Operation Hawkeye Strike, was authorised by U.S. President Donald Trump and executed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) alongside partner forces, according to official statements.
U.S. military forces initiated the assault around 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, striking multiple locations believed to be used by Islamic State fighters for logistics, weapon storage and planning operations. CENTCOM characterised the strikes as part of its ongoing effort to degrade the group’s capabilities, protect American personnel and prevent future extremist attacks. Although the Pentagon has not publicly confirmed casualty figures or detailed results, officials described the mission as expansive, involving precision munitions delivered by aircraft and other military assets.
The latest bombardment follows a deadly ambush near the Syrian city of Palmyra on 13 December 2025, in which an Islamic State-linked gunman killed two U.S. soldiers from the Iowa National Guard and an American civilian interpreter. That attack marked the first U.S. military fatalities in Syria in recent years and served as the catalyst for Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was officially launched in December.
CENTCOM’s public messaging emphasised the retaliatory nature of the operation and reiterated America’s commitment to pursuing terrorist cells wherever they operate. U.S. military officials underscored that the strikes targeted Islamic State positions “throughout Syria” and sought to disrupt the group’s ability to regroup and carry out future assaults.
While the focus of the strikes has been on degrading Islamic State infrastructure, the broader context of international cooperation in Syria has also come into view. The Syrian government, under new leadership following the ousting of the Assad regime, has signalled willingness to work with the United States against extremist threats, and at least one regional partner — Jordan — reportedly contributed air support in recent operations aimed at ISIS positions.
Despite territorial losses since its peak power in the mid-2010s, the Islamic State continues to maintain a presence in parts of the Syrian desert and rural regions, prompting ongoing counterterrorism efforts by U.S. and allied forces. The latest wave of strikes underscores Washington’s determination to sustain pressure on the group even as the geopolitical landscape in Syria evolves.
Further developments are expected as military evaluations continue and officials assess the impact of the operation against Islamic State targets.
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