The United States has launched new large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria. The strikes came in response to a deadly ambush attack last month that killed two US soldiers and one American civilian interpreter. US officials confirmed the operation on Saturday.
The ambush took place in December near the historic city of Palmyra in central Syria. Islamic State fighters attacked US and allied forces during the incident. Two of the fallen soldiers belonged to the Iowa National Guard. They were deployed in Syria as part of the international coalition fighting IS.
Following the attack, US military leaders promised a strong response. The latest strikes form part of that response. American forces carried out the operation alongside partner forces active in Syria. The mission targeted multiple IS locations across different regions of the country.
US Central Command said the strikes aimed to degrade IS capabilities and prevent future attacks. Officials said the targets included weapons storage sites, command locations, and logistical hubs used by the group. The Pentagon did not disclose the exact locations or the number of aircraft involved.
The US military released images showing an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft prepared for flight in the Central Command area. The aircraft has played a key role in recent operations against IS. The strikes signal that the US plans to maintain pressure on the militant group despite changes in Syria’s political landscape.
Operation Hawkeye Strike and the Palmyra Ambush
The US military confirmed that the new airstrikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. The Pentagon launched this operation on December 19, 2025. President Donald Trump authorized the mission after the Palmyra ambush on December 13.
In an official statement, US Central Command said the operation directly responds to the killing of American personnel. The command said it would continue to target IS fighters who threaten US forces and allies in the region.
The ambush marked one of the deadliest attacks on US personnel in Syria in recent years. IS fighters used surprise tactics and knowledge of the terrain to carry out the assault. The attack shocked military planners and raised concerns about IS sleeper cells still active in the region.
US officials said the group has lost territory but not its ability to strike. They warned that IS continues to operate through small, mobile units. These cells rely on ambushes, roadside attacks, and hit-and-run tactics.
The US response has been firm. Central Command said American forces will pursue those responsible wherever they operate. The statement carried a strong warning. It said the US would hunt down anyone who harms American warfighters, no matter where they hide.
Less than a month before the latest strikes, US forces hit around 70 IS targets across central Syria. Those attacks destroyed infrastructure and weapons caches. Military officials said the strikes disrupted IS planning and logistics.
The new round of strikes builds on that effort. The Pentagon believes sustained pressure remains necessary to prevent IS from rebuilding strength. US leaders stress that the mission focuses on counterterrorism, not long-term occupation.
Deadly clashes erupt in Aleppo as Syrian army and Kurdish-led SDF exchange fire
Syria, the US, and the Fight Against Islamic State
The latest strikes come during a sensitive moment in US-Syria relations. Syria removed former President Bashar Assad from power about a year ago. Since then, Damascus has worked to rebuild international ties. The United States has cautiously increased cooperation with Syrian security forces.
President Trump said Syrian forces now fight alongside US troops against IS. He said Syria’s new leadership reacted strongly to the Palmyra ambush. According to Trump, Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa expressed anger and concern over the attack.
Syria recently joined the global coalition against Islamic State. This step marked a major shift after years of isolation. US officials view the move as a positive sign but remain cautious. They say cooperation will depend on Syria’s actions on the ground.
The Palmyra attack tested this improving relationship. It showed that IS still poses a serious threat despite leadership changes in Damascus. Analysts say the attack also revealed gaps in security coordination.
US military planners now stress closer intelligence sharing with Syrian forces. They believe better coordination can reduce the risk of future ambushes. Joint patrols and shared surveillance may expand in the coming months.
Despite the strikes, IS remains a concern across Syria and Iraq. The group no longer controls large areas, but it survives through insurgent tactics. Experts warn that instability gives the group room to operate.
The US has about 900 troops in Syria. Their mission focuses on counterterrorism and training local forces. Washington says it does not seek conflict with the Syrian state. Officials repeat that IS remains the sole target.
US soldiers killed while fighting ISIS in Syria, Trump issues stern warning
The new strikes send a clear message. The US will respond forcefully to attacks on its personnel. It will also continue operations against IS wherever the group attempts to regroup.
As the situation develops, observers expect further military action if threats persist. The Pentagon says it will adjust tactics as needed. For now, Operation Hawkeye Strike remains active.
The latest airstrikes underline a simple reality. Islamic State no longer rules territory, but it still kills. The US and its partners aim to ensure it never regains the power it once held.