In a swift and overwhelming response to the killing of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, the United States military launched Operation Hawkeye Strike on Friday, December 19, 2025. The large-scale air and ground assault targeted dozens of Islamic State (ISIS) strongholds across central Syria, involving a lethal combination of fighter jets, attack helicopters, and rocket artillery.
“Declaration of Vengeance”: The Pentagon’s Message
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation was in direct retaliation for the “savage attack” that occurred on December 13 near the ancient city of Palmyra. Hegseth, speaking during a Christmas service at the Pentagon, adopted a strikingly aggressive tone.
“Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue. If you target Americans—anywhere in the world—you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.”
President Donald Trump, who had vowed “very serious retaliation” earlier in the week, stated on social media that the strikes were hitting ISIS strongholds in a “place soaked in blood.” He emphasized that the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, was fully in support of the American mission.
Inside the Operation: 70 Targets, 100+ Munitions
Operation Hawkeye Strike focused on degrading ISIS’s infrastructure, weapons storage, and leadership nodes in the Syrian desert.
- The Arsenal: The U.S. deployed F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthogs,” and AH-64 Apache helicopters. Ground-based HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) were also utilized to strike inland positions.
- The Intelligence: A senior official revealed that intelligence for the strikes was gathered during 10 joint raids with Syrian forces earlier in the week, which resulted in the detention of over two dozen ISIS suspects and the seizure of critical electronics.
- Regional Support: F-16 fighter jets from Jordan reportedly assisted in the operation, underscoring continued regional cooperation against the militant group.
Remembering the “Hawkeyes”
The mission was named in honor of the two fallen Iowa National Guard members—hailing from the “Hawkeye State”—who were killed in the December 13 ambush.
- Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar (25): A resident of Des Moines, remembered as a dedicated soldier.
- Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard (29): Of Marshalltown, who served alongside Torres-Tovar in the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.
- Ayad Mansoor Sakat (54): A civilian interpreter from Michigan who also lost his life in the attack.
The remains of the three Americans were returned to U.S. soil earlier this week in a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, attended by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.
Current Status of U.S. Forces in Syria
Despite the fall of the Assad regime a year ago, roughly 1,000 U.S. troops remain in Syria to prevent an ISIS resurgence. The latest attack, carried out by a gunman who had infiltrated the Syrian security forces, has highlighted the persistent threat of radicalization within local structures, even as Washington and the new Damascus government expand their counter-terrorism coordination.