Washington: The US military has reportedly carried out a “massive strike” against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria. This comes in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country, reported the BBC.
According to the report, fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery “struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria”. Aircraft from Jordan were also involved, the BBC report states.
Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria.
This is not the beginning of a war — it is a…
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) December 19, 2025
“Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria. This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people. As we said directly following the savage attack, 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,” Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth wrote on X.
Earlier, a suspected Islamic State attacker struck a convoy of US and Syrian forces in Palmyra (Syria). Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in the attack, reported India Today. According to the reports, three American troops were also wounded. The attacker was later shot dead, reports citing US military sources claimed.
In a social media post, Trump said the strikes were targeting IS “strongholds.”