American and allied military forces have executed a significant series of air strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets across Syria, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation, stating it was a direct response to a lethal attack on US and Syrian forces late last year.
Operation Hawkeye Unleashed
The coordinated assault, involving missile strikes on at least 35 separate targets, was launched in the early hours of Sunday morning, Australian Eastern Daylight Time. CENTCOM described the action as part of Operation Hawkeye, a campaign initiated last month following a devastating ISIS ambush. On December 13, 2025, two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter were killed, with three others injured, near Palmyra.
Fighter jets were observed departing from an undisclosed location to carry out the mission. The US military has not yet released specific details regarding the locations hit or any potential casualties resulting from the large-scale strikes. The core objective, according to officials, is to dismantle the terrorist network's capabilities and prevent future attacks.
A Vow of Retribution
The military action follows a firm pledge of retaliation from US President Donald Trump after the December ambush. A week after the attack, the US launched initial strikes, and this latest operation signifies a continued and intensified campaign. CENTCOM's message was unequivocal: "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice."
This offensive occurs within a complex political landscape in Syria. The nation's current government, formed by ex-rebels who overthrew former president Bashar al-Assad in 2024, includes former members of Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate who later broke with the group and clashed with Islamic State. Notably, Syria has been cooperating with the US-led coalition against ISIS, formalising an agreement in late 2025 during President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to the White House.
An Ongoing Commitment
The strikes underscore a sustained US military presence in the region, with approximately 1,000 American troops remaining in Syria. The Pentagon has consistently stated its mission is to support operations against Islamic State and terrorism. This latest large-scale military engagement represents one of the most significant escalations in recent months, with officials vowing to persist in targeting ISIS positions.
The broader strategy aims to root out Islamic terrorism and systematically degrade the organisation's operational infrastructure within Syria. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with the US and its allies demonstrating a clear intent to respond forcefully to threats against their personnel.
