US launches Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria targeting ISIS after Americans killed

The operation was initiated in response to the December 13 attack on U.S. forces near Palmyra in central Syria. According to officials, the mission aims to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites operating in the region.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the action was a direct response to the attack and not the beginning of a broader conflict.

“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,” Hegseth said in a post on X.

He added, “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.”

In a post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump said the country was delivering on its promise of retaliation.

“We are striking very strongly against ISIS strongholds in Syria, a place soaked in blood which has many problems, but one that has a bright future if ISIS can be eradicated,” Trump wrote. He added that the Syrian government supports the operation.

On December 13, a lone gunman affiliated with ISIS ambushed U.S. and Syrian forces near Palmyra. Two U.S. Army soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed, while three U.S. troops were wounded. The attacker was shot dead by partner forces.

The incident was reported as one of the first deadly attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria in a significant period.

U.S. forces remain deployed in Syria as part of an ongoing mission to counter ISIS remnants, which continue to carry out insurgent attacks despite losing most of their territorial control.

The latest attack has intensified U.S. military activity aimed at preventing the terror group from regrouping and targeting coalition forces again.

Why U.S. forces remain in Syria?

1. To prevent an ISIS resurgence

Although ISIS no longer controls territory, it remains active as an insurgent force, carrying out ambushes, bombings and targeted attacks—especially in eastern and central Syria.

U.S. troops support operations to hunt ISIS cells

They help secure detention camps and prisons holding thousands of ISIS fighters

The recent ISIS attack on U.S. forces shows the group still poses a threat

2. Support for Kurdish-led allies

The U.S. works closely with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition that was crucial in defeating ISIS.

U.S. troops provide training, intelligence, and air support

Without U.S. backing, the SDF could be overwhelmed by ISIS or hostile regional actors

Washington sees abandoning the SDF as damaging to U.S. credibility globally

3. Containing Iranian influence

Eastern Syria is strategically important due to Iran-backed militias operating there.

U.S. bases disrupt Iran’s land corridor linking Tehran to Lebanon

The presence acts as a deterrent against attacks on Israel and U.S. allies

This is a key part of U.S. Middle East strategy, though not always publicly emphasized

4. Regional stability and leverage

Remaining in Syria gives Washington strategic leverage in any future political settlement.

The U.S. opposes legitimising Bashar al-Assad without reforms

A complete withdrawal would leave Syria dominated by Russia, Iran, and the Assad regime

Presence helps influence humanitarian access and counterterrorism cooperation

5. Small footprint, high-impact mission

The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria—far fewer than in past wars.

No declared combat mission against the Syrian government

Focused on counterterrorism, intelligence, and force protection

Officials argue the risk is manageable compared to the cost of ISIS regrouping