US carries out attacks against ISIS targets throughout Syria
The operation was conducted under Operation Hawkeye Strikes, which was initiated on December 19 after an ambush near the city of Palmyra. During that incident, an IS fighter killed two US soldiers and their interpreter, while three additional American servicemen were injured.
In an official announcement, the US military said it had launched “large-scale strikes” against several IS-linked sites across different parts of Syria.
“The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region,” the statement said, noting that partner forces were involved, without providing further details.
The United States currently has around 1,000 troops stationed in Syria. President Donald Trump has argued that their presence is necessary to counter jihadist groups, including remaining IS elements. At the same time, the US military has gradually scaled back its presence, closing three bases in the country over the past year.
Separate reports have suggested that Washington is weighing the possibility of deploying personnel to an airbase in Damascus. The move is said to be part of Trump’s broader effort to expand cooperation with Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, who previously led a jihadist faction.
Al-Sharaa came to power after toppling longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad in December 2024 and has pledged to lead an inclusive government. However, his tenure has been marred by sectarian unrest. In late December, intense fighting broke out in Aleppo between Syrian government troops and Kurdish-led forces, displacing an estimated 100,000 civilians. The clashes ended earlier this week following the announcement of a ceasefire.
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