The United States launched major airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria after the killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Acting on President Donald Trump’s orders, the US military hit nearly 70 ISIS locations using advanced fighter jets, helicopters, and rocket systems.
US Launches Massive Airstrikes on 70 ISIS Targets in Syria
Washington DC: According to US defense officials, the military operation targeted approximately 70 ISIS sites in various parts of Syria. These targets included terrorist hideouts, weapons depots, command centers, and operational bases. The US military claims that these attacks dealt a significant blow to ISIS operations.
In this operation, the US utilized its most advanced military capabilities. F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and F-16 aircraft flying from Jordan were deployed. Attacks were also carried out using the HIMARS rocket artillery system, enabling simultaneous ground and air strikes.
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The US Secretary of Defense clarified that this was not the beginning of a new war. He stated that the US was responding to attacks on its citizens and soldiers.
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
President Trump said on social media that anyone who attempts to harm Americans will be hunted down and eliminated, no matter where they are in the world.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement after the US attacks, saying that the action underscored the need for international cooperation against terrorism. Syria claimed that it would not provide safe haven to ISIS within its territory. Trump also stated that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agreed with the action and maintains a firm stance against terrorism.
Last Saturday, two US National Guard sergeants and an American interpreter were killed in a shooting near Palmyra. The investigation revealed that the attacker had ties to ISIS. Following this incident, the US decided to take strong retaliatory action.
