US Launches Extensive Airstrikes Against ISIS in Syria Following Deadly Attack on Personnel

Retaliatory Strikes Launched Across Central Syria

The United States military launched extensive airstrikes against more than 70 Islamic State (ISIS) targets across central Syria on Friday, December 19, 2025. The operation, named 'Operation Hawkeye Strike,' was a direct response to an ambush six days prior that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the large-scale strike, which targeted ISIS infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, operational headquarters, and fighters.

The retaliatory strikes utilized a variety of air and ground assets, including F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and HIMARS rocket systems. Jordanian F-16 fighter jets also supported the operation. Targets were hit in rural areas of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, as well as the Jabal al-Amour area near Palmyra.

Deadly Ambush Prompts US Response

The airstrikes followed a deadly attack on Saturday, December 13, 2025, near the historic city of Palmyra, Syria. A lone gunman ambushed a convoy of American and Syrian forces, killing two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The fallen service members were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, both members of the Iowa National Guard. The civilian interpreter was identified as Ayad Mansoor Sakat, from Macomb, Michigan. Three other US soldiers were wounded in the assault.

The attacker, described by the Syrian Interior Ministry as a member of the Syrian security forces suspected of sympathizing with ISIS, was killed at the scene.

Official Statements and International Support

President Donald Trump vowed 'very serious retaliation' following the attack, stating on social media that the Syrian government fully supported the US actions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation, declaring, 'This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance.' He emphasized that the strikes aimed to 'eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites.'

The Syrian government, under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, expressed support for the strikes and reiterated its commitment to fighting ISIS, stating it would ensure the group has 'no safe havens on Syrian territory.' Approximately 1,000 US troops remain deployed in Syria as part of ongoing counter-ISIS efforts.