The US has launched major airstrikes on Islamic State targets across Syria after a deadly attack on American troops. Dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, the action signals strong retaliation but could more strikes follow in the region?
US launches airstrikes on Islamic state targets in Syria
Washington: The United States on Friday carried out airstrikes on dozens of Islamic State (IS) targets across central Syria in response to a recent attack that killed American personnel, US officials confirmed. The strikes were launched days after a deadly assault on a US military convoy in the Syrian desert.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation targeted IS fighters, weapons depots, and infrastructure. The military action has been named Operation Hawkeye Strike, with officials indicating that further strikes could follow if necessary.
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According to US officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the air campaign struck multiple IS locations across central Syria. The operation reportedly involved a combination of F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground-attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
While the Pentagon declined to release detailed operational information, officials confirmed the strikes were carefully planned and focused on weakening IS capabilities in the region.
The airstrikes follow an attack last weekend near Palmyra in Syria’s desert region. During the incident, a convoy of US and Syrian forces was targeted, resulting in the deaths of two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, while three other American soldiers were injured.
The US Army later identified the fallen service members as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, both serving with the Iowa National Guard. The civilian interpreter killed in the attack was identified as Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a resident of Michigan.
The attacker was shot dead at the scene. Syrian authorities later described him as a member of the country’s security forces who was suspected of sympathising with Islamic State.
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President Donald Trump had earlier vowed strong retaliation following the attack, while noting that Syrian forces were operating alongside US troops in counter-terrorism efforts. The White House said the latest strikes fulfilled that commitment.
A White House spokesperson stated that the administration was acting to ensure accountability for attacks on US personnel and to deter further threats from extremist groups operating in the region.
Despite suffering major territorial losses in recent years, Islamic State continues to carry out sporadic attacks in Syria’s remote regions. US officials say the latest operation underscores Washington’s commitment to countering extremist threats and protecting American forces deployed overseas.
The situation remains under close monitoring as regional security dynamics continue to evolve.
