Operation Hawkeye Strike

Operation Hawkeye Strike is a series of US military retaliatory strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, initiated in response to a deadly ISIS ambush in Palmyra on December 13, 2025, which killed two US soldiers and an American interpreter. The operation, directed by the US President, involves large-scale attacks by US and allied forces. Recent developments include the elimination of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al Qaeda operative with direct ties to the ISIS terrorist responsible for the December 13th attack. The US has conducted multiple rounds of strikes, targeting ISIS leadership and infrastructure. These actions are occurring amidst a broader US military consolidation effort in the region, including a troop withdrawal from Ain al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, reflecting progress against ISIS in that country. However, ISIS remains a threat in Syria, prompting continued US military action. Separately, Syrian government forces are clashing with and detaining Kurdish fighters in Aleppo, adding complexity to the regional security landscape.