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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.
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Since late December 2025, Islamic State (IS) has intensified attacks in Syria, including a suicide bombing in Aleppo on New Year's Eve and a deadly assault in Palmyra that killed three Americans. In response, Syrian and US forces have struck IS targets. Concurrently, Turkey has conducted nationwide raids detaining hundreds of IS suspects linked to planned attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations, following a deadly siege in Yalova province.
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On January 5, 2026, the US and Nigeria conducted joint missile strikes targeting ISIS militants in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities linked to ISIS and was approved by Nigerian authorities. No civilian casualties were reported. The strikes follow increased US involvement in Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts amid ongoing violence.
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On December 29, 2025, Turkish police conducted a major raid in Yalova against suspected Islamic State militants, resulting in the deaths of three police officers and six militants, all Turkish nationals. The operation was part of over 100 simultaneous raids across 15 provinces targeting IS cells allegedly planning attacks during the New Year celebrations. Subsequent nationwide crackdowns led to hundreds of arrests.
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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.
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A ceasefire between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led SDF largely holds, despite mutual accusations of violations. Recent weeks saw Syrian government forces seize key territories, including oil fields and prisons, as negotiations for Kurdish integration into the state continue. Tensions and military actions persist as the situation remains fluid.
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On February 3, 2026, Syria's interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) began implementing a historic agreement reached on January 30 to integrate Kurdish forces and institutions into the Syrian state. This follows a government offensive reclaiming large Kurdish-held territories since early January. The deal includes forming a military division with SDF brigades, merging Kurdish civil bodies into state institutions, and deploying government forces to key northeastern cities, aiming to unify Syria and avoid further conflict.
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A coordinated attack on Niamey's airport was repelled with help from Russian forces, according to Niger's military. ISIL claimed responsibility, and Niger's government accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of backing the militants amid growing ties with Russia. The attack resulted in casualties and damage to the airport.
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The UN reports five attempted assassinations last year targeting Syria's president, interior, and foreign ministers. The attacks, linked to ISIL front groups, highlight ongoing instability and threats in Syria, especially in Aleppo and Daraa, amid US military responses and detention challenges.