The U.S. military conducted extensive airstrikes against multiple Islamic State positions in Syria on December 19, following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of American personnel. This operation, named “OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE,” targeted over 70 sites across central Syria, utilizing advanced military assets such as F-15 and A-10 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and HIMARS rocket systems.
The strikes come in response to a tragic incident over the weekend, where a U.S. convoy in the central Syrian town of Palmyra was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The attack was perpetrated by an individual identified as a member of the Syrian security forces, who was suspected of having sympathies for the ISIS terror group. Additionally, three U.S. soldiers sustained injuries during the assault.
U.S. officials have emphasized that the strikes were approved by President Donald Trump, who stated on social media that the Syrian government was supportive of the military actions, framing them as a “very serious retaliation.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the focus of the operation was on ISIS fighters, their infrastructure, and weaponry.
The Syrian government reiterated its commitment to combating Islamic State, asserting the need to eliminate any potential safe havens for the group within its borders. This commitment follows a recent agreement between Syria and the U.S.-led coalition to enhance cooperative efforts against ISIS threats.
With approximately 1,000 U.S. troops currently stationed in Syria, the partnership between U.S. forces and the Syrian government—now led by a coalition of former rebels—underscores a shared goal in the ongoing struggle against extremist forces in the region. This concerted effort highlights an evolving landscape in the region’s security dynamics, as former adversaries unite against a common threat.
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