U.S. and Jordanian Forces Conduct Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria

On December 19, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) initiated Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria, following an attack on U.S. and partner forces the previous Saturday.

The operation targeted more than 70 ISIS sites across central Syria, utilizing fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery. Jordanian Armed Forces contributed with fighter aircraft. Over 100 precision munitions were deployed against known ISIS infrastructure and weapons facilities.

"This operation is critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland," said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM. "We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region."

The airstrikes were a direct response to the December 13 attack in Palmyra, Syria, where two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter were killed by a lone ISIS gunman. Three other U.S. soldiers were wounded in the incident.

In the week following the Palmyra attack, U.S. and partner forces conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the deaths or detention of 23 terrorist operatives. Over the past six months, more than 80 operations have been carried out to eliminate terrorists posing direct threats to the United States and regional security.