The United States and its allied forces have intensified military operations against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, launching a new round of “large-scale” airstrikes aimed at dismantling the terror group’s remaining infrastructure. The strikes, carried out on Saturday, mark a direct response to a deadly attack last month in Palmyra that killed three Americans, including two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
According to the US military, the latest action underscores Washington’s continued resolve to counter ISIS threats in the region, even as American troop levels in Syria are gradually reduced. The operation comes amid renewed concerns about ISIS activity in Syria’s vast desert areas, where remnants of the group continue to operate despite their territorial defeat.
Operation Hawkeye Strike: What Happened in the Latest US Airstrikes?
US Central Command confirmed that American forces, along with partner forces, conducted coordinated strikes targeting multiple ISIS positions across Syria. The strikes focused on disrupting militant hideouts, logistical hubs, and operational networks used to plan attacks against US and allied forces.
US Central Command said in a statement on X, “The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria” and were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched “in direct response to the deadly ISIS attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra.”
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 10, 2026
What Is Operation Hawkeye Strike?
Operation Hawkeye Strike is a US-led military campaign aimed at eliminating ISIS cells still active in Syria. The operation was officially announced in December 2025 and authorized by President Donald Trump following the Palmyra ambush. It focuses on precision airstrikes, intelligence-driven targeting, and coordination with regional partners to prevent ISIS from regrouping.
In a detailed statement, US Central Command said, “Today, at approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, alongside partner forces, conducted large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria.”
Why Did the US Launch Strikes on ISIS in Syria Again?
The renewed strikes follow the December 13 attack in Palmyra, a historic city known for its UNESCO-listed ruins. The assault was carried out by a lone ISIS gunman and marked the deadliest attack on US personnel in Syria in recent years.
CENTCOM said the operation aims to stop future attacks and protect deployed troops, adding, “Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.”
ISIS Threat in Syria: Why the Group Still Matters
Although ISIS lost its territorial control in Syria and Iraq after 2014, the group continues to pose a security threat. Fighters remain active in remote desert regions, launching sporadic attacks against military targets and local forces. US personnel in Syria support Operation Inherent Resolve, the international mission to prevent ISIS from re-emerging.
The Palmyra attack was also significant as it was the first such incident since the overthrow of Syria’s longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad, in December 2024, highlighting ongoing instability in the region.
US Troop Presence in Syria: What’s Next?
President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the long-term presence of US troops in Syria. While he ordered withdrawals during his first term, American forces remained to counter ISIS. In April, the Pentagon announced plans to cut US troop numbers in Syria by half, and Washington’s special envoy later said the US would eventually reduce its bases to a single location.
Despite these plans, Saturday’s strikes signal that the US remains committed to counterterrorism operations as long as ISIS continues to threaten American and partner forces.
