The U.S. launched large-scale airstrikes across Syria as part of "Operation Hawkeye," targeting at least 35 Islamic State positions with more than 90 precision munitions and over 20 aircraft. The strikes were announced as retaliation for a Dec. 13 ambush near Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter. Central Command released unclassified footage and warned it will pursue those who attack U.S. forces; senior officials, including the defense secretary, publicly vowed to hold attackers to account.
U.S. Launches Large-Scale Airstrikes Across Syria In Retaliation For Deadly Palmyra Ambush
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle taxis at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Jan. 10, 2026. / Credit: U.S. Air Force photo
The U.S. carried out large-scale airstrikes across Syria on Saturday, striking Islamic State targets as part of a campaign the Pentagon says responds to a Dec. 13 ambush near Palmyra that killed two American soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter.
Operation Hawkeye: Scope And Forces Involved
U.S. Central Command said the strikes hit at least 35 locations, employed more than 90 precision munitions and involved over 20 aircraft. A U.S. official told CBS News the strikes included F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s and Jordanian F-16s. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, identified the action as part of "Operation Hawkeye."
Reason For The Strikes
The operation was launched in retaliation for a Dec. 13 ISIS ambush near Palmyra that killed Sgt. William Howard and Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, both members of the Iowa National Guard, and their U.S. civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat. Three other Iowa National Guard members were wounded in that attack.
"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," Central Command wrote on X. The command also released unclassified video of the strikes with the message: "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also posted on social media, writing, "We will never forget, and never relent." President Trump had earlier vowed "very serious retaliation" on Truth Social after the Dec. 13 ambush.
Context And Earlier Strikes
Less than a week after the ambush, on Dec. 19, U.S. forces launched a prior round of airstrikes in Syria that reportedly hit more than 70 targets. The recent Operation Hawkeye strikes represent a continued U.S. effort to degrade Islamic State capabilities and to deter future attacks on American and partner forces in the region.
The U.S. and coalition partners have emphasized that operations will continue as necessary to protect personnel and pursue militants responsible for attacks. Central Command has made public unclassified footage to document the strikes and underscore the message of deterrence.
Help us improve.
