U.S. Conducts Retaliatory Strikes Against ISIS in Syria Following Deadly Ambush

The United States has conducted a series of airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria, following a December 13 ambush near Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. The operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, commenced on December 19, 2025, and involved coordinated efforts with Jordanian forces.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the initial phase of the operation targeted over 70 ISIS positions across central Syria, utilizing more than 100 precision munitions delivered by fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery. Jordanian Armed Forces supported the strikes with fighter aircraft.

In the days following the initial strikes, U.S. and partner forces conducted 11 additional missions between December 20 and 29, resulting in the elimination or capture of nearly 25 ISIS operatives and the destruction of four weapons caches. CENTCOM emphasized the commitment to working with regional partners to address the ISIS threat.

The December 13 attack, which prompted the retaliatory strikes, was carried out by a lone gunman affiliated with ISIS, targeting U.S. and Syrian forces during a joint patrol near Palmyra. This incident marked the first U.S. military casualties in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Operation Hawkeye Strike reflects the United States' ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from reestablishing a foothold in the region and to protect U.S. and partner forces operating in Syria.