The US and its partners launched large-scale military operations against ISIS in Syria following an attack near Palmyra killing two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter and wounding several American and Syrian personnel. The December 13 ambush occurred during a joint meeting between US forces and Syrian security officials in central Syria, according to the Pentagon and US Central Command (CENTCOM).
In response, US forces began Operation Hawkeye late Friday, targeting what officials described as ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites across central Syria. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation aimed to eliminate the group’s ability to regroup after the attack. “This is not the beginning of a war, it is a declaration of revenge,” Hegseth said in remarks reported by Reuters.
Scope of Operation Hawkeye
CENTCOM said American jets, helicopters and artillery fired over 100 precision-guided munitions at more than 70 ISIS locations in central Syria. Targets included weapons depots and buildings used to support operations, CENTCOM said in a statement. Jordanian fighter jets supported the strikes, according to the US.
The New York Times, citing a US official, described the strikes as a “large-scale attack” expected to last several hours and possibly extend into the following day. Another US official told Fox News that American forces conducted 10 joint operations with the Syrian government after the Palmyra attack, resulting in the killing or capture of over 20 ISIS members.
Syrian Government Response
Syria’s Foreign Ministry said the ISIS attack demonstrated the need for stronger international cooperation against terrorism. In a statement posted today, December 20, the ministry extended condolences to the families of Syrian and American personnel killed and reaffirmed Damascus’ “unwavering commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring that it has no safe havens in Syrian territory.”
The ministry called on the US and coalition partners to support Syrian efforts in a way that protects civilians and restores security and stability. Syrian state media reported coalition strikes in the deserts of Homs, Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, including areas near Palmyra.
White House Signals Support
President Donald Trump said the Syrian government fully supported the US operation. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the strikes represented a “very harsh response” to the killings and warned ISIS against targeting Americans. “We are launching very powerful strikes against ISIS strongholds in Syria,” he wrote.
According to AP News, the operation used F-15 and A-10 aircraft, Apache helicopters and HIMARS rocket systems. US officials said more strikes could follow as forces continue to target areas where ISIS seeks to reorganize.
Broader Security Implications
CENTCOM said the ambush was carried out by an ISIS militant who was engaged and killed. The attacker had joined Syrian security forces two months earlier, and US commanders are reviewing his background, a US official told Fox News.
While ISIS has not formally claimed the Palmyra attack, the group has claimed responsibility for recent assaults on Syrian security forces. US and Syrian officials say the latest operations aim to prevent further attacks and disrupt remaining ISIS networks as joint coordination expands on the ground.
