**Washington D.C.** – In a decisive and forceful response to a brutal ambush that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter, the United States military executed a large-scale offensive against Islamic State (IS) strongholds in central Syria on Friday. The operation, codenamed "Operation Hawkeye Strike," saw over 100 precision munitions deployed against more than 70 targets, signalling Washington's unwavering resolve to pursue and dismantle terrorist networks that threaten American lives and interests.
The coordinated strikes, which commenced at 16:00 Eastern Time, were a direct consequence of a deadly IS attack on American forces near Palmyra on December 13th. US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery assets were instrumental in the meticulously planned operation. Aircraft operating from Jordan also contributed to the extensive aerial bombardment, underscoring the collaborative nature of the counter-terrorism efforts in the region. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning following the operation, stating, "If you target Americans - anywhere in the world - you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you. Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue."
Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper oversaw the execution of "Operation Hawkeye Strike," which targeted critical IS infrastructure and weapons depots believed to be instrumental in the group's operational capacity. The swift and comprehensive nature of the offensive suggests a deliberate effort to degrade the Islamic State's ability to mount further attacks, particularly against coalition forces operating in Syria. While specific casualty figures for IS fighters were not immediately released, US officials indicated that a significant number of militants were eliminated during the operation, a testament to the efficacy of the precision strikes.
The Syrian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement early Saturday morning expressing its unequivocal support for the US military action. Damascus reiterated its steadfast commitment to combating the IS group and eradicating any safe havens it might attempt to establish on Syrian territory. The ministry further pledged to intensify its own military operations against the terrorist organisation, wherever it poses a demonstrable threat. This alignment in objectives, despite the complex geopolitical landscape, highlights a shared interest in confronting the persistent danger posed by extremist groups. Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extended an invitation for further international coalition support in their ongoing fight against ISIL.
The US military has made it clear that "Operation Hawkeye Strike" may not be an isolated event. Officials have intimated that further retaliatory actions could be anticipated if IS continues to pose a threat to American personnel or their allies. The resolute stance taken by the Trump administration, as articulated by Defence Secretary Hegseth, aims to send a clear message to terrorist organisations worldwide: any act of aggression against Americans will be met with a swift, decisive, and unforgiving response. The successful execution of this large-scale operation, involving multiple military branches and international partners, underscores the United States' enduring commitment to counter-terrorism operations and its capacity to project power across the Middle East.