Key Takeaways
- The US and its partner forces have carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State (IS) group targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.
- The strikes were conducted in retaliation to the IS group’s deadly attack on US forces in Syria on 13 December.
- The operation involved more than 20 aircraft and over 90 precision munitions, targeting more than 35 IS group targets.
- The US and its partner forces have killed or captured nearly 25 IS group members in 11 missions between 20 December and 29 December as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.
- The operation aims to combat terrorism and protect US and partner forces in the region.
Introduction to Operation Hawkeye Strike
The US Central Command (Centcom) has announced that the US and its partner forces have carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State (IS) group targets in Syria. The strikes, which were directed by US President Donald Trump, are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, a military operation aimed at combating terrorism and protecting US and partner forces in the region. The operation was launched in response to the IS group’s deadly attack on US forces in Syria on 13 December, which resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter.
The Strikes and Their Objectives
The strikes were conducted on Saturday, with the US and its partner forces firing more than 90 precision munitions at over 35 targets. The operation involved more than 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s. The location of the strikes and the extent of any casualties are not yet clear. According to Centcom, the strikes were carried out in an effort to combat terrorism and protect US and partner forces in the region. The operation’s objectives are clear: to deter the IS group from carrying out further attacks on US forces and to demonstrate the US’s commitment to defending its people and interests.
Previous Operations and Successes
Prior to the latest strikes, US forces had already carried out several successful missions as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. Between 20 December and 29 December, US forces killed or captured nearly 25 IS group members in 11 missions. The operation’s first mission, which was carried out on 19 December, involved a "massive strike" against the IS group, with US and Jordanian forces deploying fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery to strike over 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria. The operation employed more than 100 precision munitions, targeting known IS infrastructure and weapons sites.
US Commitment to Defending Its People
The US has made it clear that it will not hesitate to defend its people and interests. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X on Saturday, "We will never forget, and never relent," in reference to the military action. The Trump administration has stated that Operation Hawkeye Strike is not the beginning of a war, but rather a declaration of vengeance against the IS group. The US has vowed to protect its forces and interests in the region, and will take all necessary measures to prevent further attacks.
The Ongoing Fight Against the IS Group
The IS group has been a major threat to regional stability and security, and the US and its partner forces have been working to combat the group’s activities. The latest strikes are part of a broader effort to degrade the IS group’s capabilities and prevent it from carrying out further attacks. The US and its partner forces will continue to work together to combat terrorism and protect their interests in the region. The fight against the IS group is ongoing, and the US is committed to seeing it through to its conclusion.
Conclusion and Future Operations
In conclusion, the US and its partner forces have carried out large-scale strikes against IS group targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. The operation aims to combat terrorism and protect US and partner forces in the region. The US has made it clear that it will not hesitate to defend its people and interests, and will take all necessary measures to prevent further attacks. As the operation continues, the US and its partner forces will remain vigilant and committed to defeating the IS group and ensuring regional stability and security. Future operations will likely involve continued strikes against IS group targets, as well as efforts to disrupt the group’s supply lines and communication networks. The US and its partner forces will work together to bring an end to the IS group’s activities and ensure a more secure and stable region.
