US Military Launches Large Scale Strikes Against Islamic State in Syria

Sun Jan 11 2026 11:06:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to a deadly ambush by the Islamic State group, the US military conducts extensive strikes on IS targets in Syria, marking a significant escalation in operations under Operation Hawkeye Strike.

The US and partner forces have executed massive airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, following a deadly attack on US personnel. Over 90 precision munitions were deployed, supported by an array of aircraft. The Pentagon firmly declares its resolve to combat terrorism and hold accountable those who threaten US forces.

The US and its partner forces have carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State (IS) group targets in Syria, the US Central Command (Centcom) has announced.

US President Donald Trump directed the strikes on Saturday, which are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, in retaliation to the IS group's deadly attack on US forces in Syria on 13 December, Centcom wrote on X.

The strikes were conducted to combat terrorism and protect US and partner forces in the region, according to Centcom.

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, Centcom stated.

The US and its partner forces fired more than 90 precision munitions at over 35 targets in a coordinated operation involving more than 20 aircraft. Aircraft used in the strikes included F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s.

The specific locations of the strikes and the extent of any casualties are still unclear.

We will never forget, and never relent, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X following the strikes.

The Trump administration had previously announced Operation Hawkeye Strike in December after an IS gunman ambushed US soldiers, killing two members and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

This is not the beginning of a war - it is a declaration of vengeance, Hegseth asserted during the operation's launch in December. The United States of America, under President Trump's leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.

Prior to the recent strikes, US forces had managed to kill or capture nearly 25 IS group members in 11 operations from December 20 to 29 as part of the ongoing mission.

In the initial operation on December 19, combined US and Jordanian forces executed a massive strike against IS, deploying fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery against more than 70 targets in central Syria.

Centcom characterized this operation as utilizing over 100 precision munitions aimed at known IS infrastructure and weaponry sites.

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