The Pentagon said U.S. forces launched airstrikes Friday against Islamic State targets in central Syria in retaliation for a Dec. 13 attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The strikes involved fighter jets, attack helicopters and other munitions and were expected to continue for several hours. The two soldiers were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard; the interpreter was Ayad Mansoor Sakat. U.S. officials blamed ISIS while some local reports cited a Syrian security force member; investigations continue.
U.S. Launches Airstrikes in Central Syria Against ISIS, Pentagon Says
US begins airstrikes in Syria against Islamic State: Pentagon
The Pentagon confirmed Friday that U.S. forces launched airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in central Syria, saying the strikes were in direct response to a Dec. 13 attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter.
Fighter jets, attack helicopters and other munitions reportedly struck multiple targets across central Syria. The New York Times and other outlets said the operations were expected to continue for several hours.
"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," a Pentagon statement said. "This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people."
President Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. would retaliate following the Dec. 13 attack on U.S. personnel. While some local reports indicated the assault may have been carried out by a member of Syria's internal security forces, U.S. officials placed blame on the Islamic State, which continues to maintain a foothold in parts of the war-torn country.
Casualties and Injuries
The U.S. Army identified the two soldiers killed in the Dec. 13 attack as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa. The civilian interpreter who died was identified as Ayad Mansoor Sakat of Macomb, Michigan. At least three other members of the Iowa National Guard were wounded in the incident.
Political Context
The strikes come amid continued U.S. engagement in eastern Syria and reports that the U.S. administration has expressed support for an interim Syrian leader described in some accounts as Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syrian officials on Friday reiterated their commitment to fight ISIS and said they would intensify military operations against the group, Reuters reported.
Officials cautioned that investigations into the Dec. 13 attack and the precise affiliations of the assailant(s) remain ongoing. The Pentagon said the strikes were intended to degrade ISIS capabilities and to hold those responsible for the attack to account.
Note: Reporting was based on Pentagon statements and multiple news outlets. The situation is fluid and subject to further updates.
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force Photo)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) An U.S. Army AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter prepares to support Operation Hawkeye Strike in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec 19. (U.S. Army Photo)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) A U.S. Airman prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for flight from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) A U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System loads onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 18, 2025) U.S. Airmen prepare to load GBU-31 munition systems onto F-15E Strike Eagles within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 18, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 18, 2025) U.S. soldiers attached to the Iowa National Guard sign GBU-31 munitions systems in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 18, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 18, 2025) A U.S. Airman attaches a GBU-31 munitions system to an F-15E Strike Eagle in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 18, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)
