The United States has launched a significant military operation against ISIL positions in Syria, a week after two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Palmyra. President Donald Trump described the strikes as “very serious retaliation” against the terrorist group.

President Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that US forces are conducting a large-scale attack on ISIL in Syria.

“Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria… I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation,” he wrote.

The operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, targets ISIL fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites across central Syria.

Coordination with Syrian authorities

Trump noted that Syria’s new government, established after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, is fully supportive of the US action.

Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to combating ISIL, inviting the US and coalition members to assist in eliminating safe havens for the group.

Details of the strikes

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the attacks as a “declaration of vengeance.” He confirmed that US forces successfully targeted ISIL fighters and infrastructure.

CENTCOM reported deploying fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery, releasing more than 100 precision munitions. The Jordanian Armed Forces also contributed with fighter aircraft.

Background

The strikes follow an incident in Palmyra where three Americans, including two US National Guard members and a civilian interpreter, were killed. Three other soldiers were wounded after an ISIL attacker targeted a US-Syrian convoy.

The US-led coalition has continued air and ground operations in Syria to eliminate remaining ISIL forces, often alongside Syrian security units.

Approximately 1,000 US troops remain stationed in Syria, focusing on ISIL containment. Officials emphasized that the operation is a targeted retaliation rather than the start of a broader war.

Trump’s administration continues to support the new Syrian government while maintaining pressure on ISIL to prevent future attacks on civilians or coalition forces.