What's happened
On December 19, 2025, the US military launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeting over 70 Islamic State positions across central Syria in retaliation for a December 13 attack that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The strikes, supported by Jordanian warplanes and reportedly backed by Syria's new government, focused on ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift and Regional Dynamics
The US strikes mark a significant escalation in the fight against ISIS in Syria, reflecting a strategic pivot following the regime change in Damascus. The cooperation between the US and Syria's new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa is unprecedented, signaling a pragmatic alliance against a common enemy despite previous hostilities.
Military and Political Implications
- The use of over 100 precision munitions across more than 70 targets demonstrates a robust military commitment to dismantling ISIS infrastructure.
- Jordan's involvement underscores regional support for the operation, enhancing coalition legitimacy.
- The strikes serve as a clear message of deterrence, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framing the operation as "a declaration of vengeance," emphasizing relentless US defense of its personnel.
Risks and Future Outlook
- The ambush by a lone ISIS gunman, reportedly a former Syrian internal security guard, highlights ongoing infiltration risks within Syrian security forces.
- While the US-Syria cooperation is a positive development, it remains fragile given Syria's complex internal dynamics and the presence of multiple armed groups.
- Further strikes are expected, indicating a sustained campaign that could reshape ISIS's operational capabilities in the region.
Impact on Readers
This development signals a renewed US military focus in Syria, which may influence regional stability and global counterterrorism efforts. For readers, it underscores the evolving nature of Middle Eastern conflicts and the complexities of international military cooperation.
What the papers say
Abdi Latif Dahir of The New York Times reports that the US military targeted over 70 ISIS positions with fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery, supported by Jordanian warplanes, following the December 13 attack that killed US personnel. The Syrian government, now led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressed commitment to intensifying operations against ISIS and invited coalition support.
The Mirror highlights President Trump's assertion that the strikes had "full support from the Syrian government" and quotes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's social media post framing the operation as "a declaration of vengeance." It also notes the unexpected overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and the new US-Syria relationship.
Al Jazeera emphasizes the naming of the operation as "Operation Hawkeye Strike" and quotes Trump’s social media posts confirming Syria's backing. It also details the cooperation between US and Syrian security forces and Jordan's acknowledgment of Syria's consent.
The Times of Israel provides detailed military specifics, including the use of F-15 Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolts, and AH-64 Apaches, and notes the strategic significance of the US-Syria cooperation post-Assad. It also names the fallen US personnel and describes the attacker as a former Syrian security guard suspected of ISIS ties.
France 24 and Sky News echo the narrative of retaliation and military precision, quoting officials and highlighting the political context of the strikes. France 24 adds details about the attacker’s background and the ongoing investigations.
The New Arab offers insight into the immediate US response in Palmyra, including arrests and patrols, and quotes Syrian officials condemning the attack while distancing the Syrian Internal Security Forces from the assailant.
Together, these sources provide a comprehensive picture of a coordinated US-led military response, evolving US-Syria relations, and the ongoing threat posed by ISIS in central Syria.
How we got here
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria's new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has cooperated with the US-led coalition against ISIS. The December 13 ambush near Palmyra, which killed US personnel, prompted President Trump to vow serious retaliation, leading to the large-scale strikes targeting ISIS strongholds in central Syria.
Go deeper
- What led to the US and Syria cooperating against ISIS?
- Who was responsible for the December 13 attack on US forces?
- What are the implications of these strikes for regional stability?
Common question
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Why Did the US Launch Strikes in Syria After the Recent Killings?
Following the killing of three Americans in Palmyra, the US has conducted targeted military strikes in Syria. This escalation raises questions about the reasons behind the attack, who was targeted, and what it means for regional stability. Below, we explore the key details and what might come next in this ongoing situation.
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Why Did the US Launch Strikes on ISIS in Syria?
In December 2025, the US military launched a significant operation against ISIS in Syria, marking a major escalation in counterterrorism efforts. Many wonder what prompted this military action and what it means for the region. Below, we explore the reasons behind the strikes, the operation's details, and the broader implications for US-Syria cooperation and global security.
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What Are the Biggest Global News Stories Right Now?
Staying informed about the latest international developments is crucial in today's fast-paced world. From military actions to economic shifts and environmental changes, the headlines reflect a complex global landscape. Here are some of the most pressing stories capturing worldwide attention and what they mean for us all.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Peter Brian Hegseth (born June 6, 1980) is an American government official and former television personality who has served as the 29th United States secretary of defense since 2025.
Hegseth studied politics at Princeton University, where he was the publi
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Palmyra is an ancient Semitic city in present-day Homs Governorate, Syria. Archaeological finds date back to the Neolithic period, and documents first mention the city in the early second millennium BC.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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An Islamic state is a state that has a form of government based on Islamic law. As a term, it has been used to describe various historical polities and theories of governance in the Islamic world.