U.S. Launches Extensive Retaliatory Strikes Against ISIS in Syria Following Deadly Ambush

Deadly Ambush Prompts U.S. Response

The United States has launched a series of extensive retaliatory strikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, codenamed 'Operation Hawkeye Strike', following a deadly ambush on December 13, 2025, near Palmyra. The ambush resulted in the deaths of two U.S. Army soldiers, Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, both members of the Iowa National Guard, and one American civilian interpreter. Three other U.S. servicemembers were wounded in the attack, along with two Syrian troops.

The attack was carried out by a lone ISIS gunman, identified as a Syrian police officer suspected of affiliation with the terrorist group. The assailant was subsequently killed by partner forces. This incident marked the deadliest attack on U.S. personnel in Syria in recent years and the first American combat deaths since the political transition in Syria in late 2024.

Initial Retaliatory Operations

In response to the ambush, the U.S. military, supported by Jordan, initiated a massive airstrike campaign on December 19, 2025. This initial wave of strikes involved over 100 precision munitions and targeted more than 70 ISIS sites across central and eastern Syria. Targets included:

• Command centers
• Weapons depots
• Training facilities
• Drone sites
• Logistical hubs

Areas hit included the Jabal al-Amour area near Palmyra, the Ma'adan desert in rural Raqqa, and rural areas of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces. U.S. forces utilized A-10s, F-16s, Apache helicopters, and HIMARS guided artillery, with Jordanian F-16s providing additional support. At least five ISIS members, including a cell leader involved in unmanned aerial systems, were reported killed in these strikes.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, 'This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance.' President Donald Trump vowed 'very serious retaliation' and described the operation as a 'massive' blow against ISIS. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) affirmed a strong stance, declaring, '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.'

Continued Operations and Regional Context

A second round of large-scale airstrikes was conducted on January 10, 2026, targeting over 35 ISIS positions throughout Syria with more than 90 precision munitions. Over 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s, were involved in this subsequent operation. Casualty figures and specific locations for this second round of strikes remained unclear.

The ambush and subsequent retaliatory strikes occurred amidst evolving regional dynamics. The U.S. has been working to strengthen ties with Syria's interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. President Trump indicated that the Syrian government fully supported the U.S. strikes, and the Syrian foreign ministry reiterated its commitment to combating ISIS and preventing the group from establishing safe havens within Syrian territory.