Tensions in the Middle East flared again as the United States carried out another round of military strikes against ISIS targets in Syria.
The latest action comes as Washington continues to respond forcefully to the killing of three Americans, an incident that has reshaped US operations in the region and intensified its message to militant groups.
Retaliation for the Deaths of American Personnel
The strikes were launched in response to a deadly ISIS attack last month that claimed the lives of two US National Guard soldiers and their American interpreter.
Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard were killed on December 13, an incident that US officials have consistently described as an act of terrorism carried out by ISIS fighters.
On Saturday, the US military struck multiple ISIS positions across Syria, framing the operation as a direct response to those deaths.
Operation Hawkeye Strike Expands Across Syria
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest wave of strikes took place around 12:30 p.m. EST and formed part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which began on December 19.
The operation involved coordinated attacks on several ISIS-linked targets spread across different parts of Syria.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the mission was designed to dismantle ISIS capabilities, protect American and allied forces, and prevent future attacks on US personnel.
A Strong Warning from the US Military
CENTCOM did not mince words about the intent behind the strikes.
Officials said the attacks were meant to send a clear signal that any harm to American forces would be met with decisive action.
“The message remains strong,” the command said, stressing that those who target US warfighters would be tracked down and killed regardless of where they try to hide.
Trump Reacts with a Brief Public Message
Roughly three hours after the strikes, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, though without directly addressing the military operation.
Instead, he celebrated American strength, writing that the United States is “the hottest and most successful country anywhere in the world.”
Trump has not issued a separate, detailed public statement specifically about Saturday’s attack.
Diplomatic Talks Continue Alongside Military Pressure
The military action followed recent diplomatic engagement in Damascus.
US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and senior members of their administration to discuss developments, including the situation in Aleppo.
Barrack later said the US supports Syria’s political transition and backs the government’s efforts to stabilize the country, rebuild institutions, and pursue peace and prosperity.
He also reaffirmed Washington’s long-standing commitment to defeating ISIS and restoring regional stability.
Previous Strikes and Ongoing Operations
Saturday’s strikes were not the first in this latest campaign.
Earlier airstrikes carried out on December 19 reportedly killed at least seven ISIS fighters and led to the capture of around a dozen more.
Between December 20 and December 29, CENTCOM confirmed that 11 missions were conducted following initial attacks on ISIS weapons depots and infrastructure.
Those earlier operations, coordinated with Jordanian authorities, hit approximately 70 targets across central Syria.
Weapons Destroyed and Regional Cooperation Strengthened
CENTCOM said continued operations have resulted in the destruction of four weapons caches used by ISIS.
The effort has involved not only US forces but also regional partners, including Syrian security forces.
Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads CENTCOM, emphasized that the campaign is far from over.
He said the US remains fully committed to working with partners across the region to eliminate the ISIS threat to both American and regional security.
A Shift in US–Syrian Coordination
US officials have noted that cooperation with Syria’s relatively new government has expanded the military’s reach.
This growing collaboration has allowed American forces to strike ISIS in areas where they previously had limited or no access.
According to a US official speaking anonymously, Syrian forces have taken a leading role in some of the recent missions, marking a notable shift in how counterterrorism operations are being conducted.
The Ambush Near Palmyra That Sparked It All
The latest operations trace back to a deadly ambush near the ancient city of Palmyra on December 13.
The attack occurred while American and Syrian security officials were meeting over lunch.
Alongside the two Iowa National Guard soldiers, a civilian interpreter from Michigan was also killed.
Three other National Guard members and several Syrian security personnel were wounded.
Questions Surrounding the Gunman
Authorities later revealed that the attacker had been working as a base security guard within Syria’s Internal Security forces.
He had recently been reassigned amid suspicions of possible ISIS links.
The gunman was killed during the incident, and ISIS has not officially claimed responsibility.
Trump’s Earlier Vow of Retaliation
In the aftermath of the attack, President Trump promised swift retaliation, saying those responsible would face severe consequences.
He described the victims as “great patriots” and blamed ISIS directly, not the Syrian government.
While Trump has remained silent on the specifics of Saturday’s strike, US military actions suggest that promise of retaliation is being carried out in full.
What’s Next?
With roughly 1,000 US troops still stationed in Syria, American forces are expected to continue hunting down ISIS operatives, dismantling their networks, and working closely with regional partners to prevent the group’s resurgence.
The coming weeks may reveal whether this intensified military and diplomatic approach can finally push ISIS further into the shadows—or provoke another dangerous response.
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