The U.S. launched a major military operation in Syria last week, targeting 70 Islamic State (IS) sites across the country.
Dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, the air offensive came just days after a deadly IS attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
Jordanian fighter jets joined the mission, highlighting the growing regional cooperation against the terror group.
President Donald Trump addressed the operation at a rally in North Carolina, telling supporters he had “ordered a massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots.”
He emphasized that every target was hit successfully, describing the mission as a step toward “restoring peace through strength all over the world.”
Vengeance, Not War
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed the strike as a targeted retaliation, saying on social media, “This is not the beginning of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance.
Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.”
He warned that anyone attacking Americans anywhere would face relentless pursuit and punishment.
The Palmyra attack on December 13 had killed two National Guard members and an interpreter, leaving three soldiers wounded.
Syrian officials later revealed that the assailant was part of their own security forces.
IS described the attack as a pivotal moment to rally support among its followers.
A Shifting Syrian Landscape
The killings in Palmyra have prompted increased cooperation between Syria and its partners, including the U.S., Jordan, and Kurdish-led forces.
The Syrian government, led by rebels who overthrew Bashar al-Assad after a 13-year civil war, also contains factions opposing IS, including Al-Qaeda elements.
Newly appointed President Ahmed al Sharaa, recently labeled a “terrorist,” was removed from the U.S. Specially Designated Global Terrorist list ahead of his talks with President Trump.
The gesture underlines the complex alliances shaping Syria’s fight against IS.
Operation Hawkeye Strike in Action
As the operation unfolded, Trump shared on his social media platform Truth Social that the U.S. was striking back decisively for the “vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria.”
He described the targeted areas as “soaked in blood” but expressed hope for a brighter future if IS could be eliminated.
Jordan, too, had its own motivations. In 2015, one of its Air Force pilots was publicly executed, and King Abdullah II vowed that his death “would not be in vain.”
While U.S. forces focused on central and northeastern regions of Syria’s vast Badia desert, Jordanian jets hit the southern zones.
Syria’s Support and U.S. Presence
Although the Syrian government did not take a direct role in the strikes, officials affirmed their support.
A statement from the foreign ministry reiterated Syria’s commitment to eliminating IS and ensuring the group has no safe havens.
Around 1,000 U.S. troops remain stationed in Syria, maintaining long-term operations to eliminate IS remnants.
While the group has held no territory since 2018, it continues to carry out sporadic attacks, keeping the region on alert.
What Lies Ahead
With Operation Hawkeye Strike completed, the U.S. and its allies are signaling that attacks against Americans will not go unanswered.
The challenge now is whether this wave of retaliation will significantly weaken IS or simply fuel further violence, as Syria continues to navigate a complex and volatile landscape.
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