What's happened
On January 10, 2026, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed multiple airstrikes across Syria targeting ISIS as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. These strikes respond to a December 13 ISIS ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The operation reflects increased US cooperation with Syria's new government after Bashar al-Assad's ouster in 2024.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in US-Syria Relations
The US-led Operation Hawkeye Strike marks a significant shift in US military strategy in Syria, reflecting a pragmatic cooperation with Syria's new government, led by former rebels and ex-jihadists who ousted Bashar al-Assad in 2024. This cooperation enables US forces to operate in areas previously inaccessible, enhancing the campaign against ISIS.
Persistent ISIS Threat
Despite territorial defeat in 2019, ISIS remains active, especially in Syria's vast deserts. The December 13 ambush in Palmyra underscores the group's capacity for lethal attacks, including infiltration of Syrian security forces, complicating counterterrorism efforts.
Regional and Political Implications
The strikes, conducted alongside regional partners including Jordan, demonstrate a coordinated international effort to contain ISIS resurgence. The US's willingness to lift sanctions and engage diplomatically with Syria's new leadership signals a recalibration of policy aimed at stabilizing the region.
Forecast
The ongoing strikes and cooperation will likely degrade ISIS capabilities further but may also entrench US military presence in Syria amid complex local dynamics. The success of handing over counter-ISIS operations to Syrian forces remains uncertain, given Syria's fragile security and sectarian tensions.
Impact on Readers
While distant, these developments affect global security and US foreign policy, influencing regional stability and the fight against terrorism. The evolving US-Syria relationship may reshape future diplomatic and military engagements in the Middle East.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel highlights the targeted killing of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an experienced terrorist linked to the December 13 Palmyra attack, noting CENTCOM's statement on the operation's scale and cooperation with Syria's new government. The Independent's Kanishka Singh details the broad coalition efforts, emphasizing the strikes' timing and the US military's commitment to retaliate against ISIS attacks. Al Jazeera's Zaheena Rasheed provides context on the ambush, the US's firm message to ISIS, and the evolving US-Syria cooperation, including the arrest of key ISIS figures. France 24 and AP News focus on the operational aspects of the strikes and the political backdrop, including President Trump's stance and troop reductions. The New Arab and Reuters underscore the strategic partnership between the US and Syria's new leadership, comparing it to past US-Iraq cooperation against ISIS. Collectively, these sources illustrate a multifaceted campaign blending military action with diplomatic engagement, reflecting a nuanced approach to counterterrorism in Syria.
How we got here
ISIS, territorially defeated in Syria in 2019, maintains a presence in Syria's deserts. On December 13, 2025, an ISIS-affiliated gunman killed two US soldiers and a civilian in Palmyra. This led to Operation Hawkeye Strike, a US-led campaign involving airstrikes and ground operations, increasingly coordinated with Syria's new government, which replaced Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
Go deeper
- What is Operation Hawkeye Strike?
- How has US cooperation with Syria's new government changed?
- What impact do these strikes have on ISIS activity in Syria?
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