The United States has launched a major military strike on ISIS targets in Syria. US President Donald Trump confirmed the action on Friday. The attack came a week after ISIS fighters killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
As a result, Trump announced strong retaliation through his Truth Social post.
“Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria… I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible,” Trump wrote.
Syrian leadership backs US military action
Meanwhile, Trump said the current Syrian government fully supported the US strikes. This government took power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024.
At the same time, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation. It also stressed Syria’s commitment to fighting ISIL and promised to intensify military action against the group.
Operation Hawkeye Strike targets ISIS assets
Earlier, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth provided operational details. He said US forces targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites. He also confirmed that the military named the mission Operation Hawkeye Strike.
“ISIS [ISIL] fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites” were hit, Hegseth said. However, he made it clear that the operation did not signal a broader conflict.
“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance,” Hegseth said. “Today, we hunted, and we killed our enemies—lots of them. And we will continue,” he averred.
Officials await casualty and damage reports
So far, officials have not confirmed casualty numbers or damage details. Nevertheless, the US military’s Central Command said it would release more information soon.
In addition, reporters in Washington noted that the Syrian government appeared to have approved the US operation in advance.
Palmyra attack triggered retaliation
The strikes followed a deadly attack last weekend in Palmyra. An ISIS attacker targeted a joint convoy of American and Syrian forces. As a result, two US National Guard members and a civilian interpreter lost their lives. Security forces later shot the attacker dead.
Meanwhile, three other American soldiers suffered injuries during the attack.
US troop presence continues in Syria
Currently, around 1,000 American troops remain deployed in Syria. They continue a long-running mission to eliminate the remaining ISIS fighters in the region.
At the same time, a US-led coalition has stepped up air strikes and ground operations against ISIL suspects in recent months.
Cooperation deepens after Assad’s fall
Finally, strong coordination between Washington and Syria’s new leadership enabled the latest strikes. Former rebel groups now lead the Syrian government after toppling the Assad regime.
Last month, both sides formally agreed to cooperate against ISIL. This agreement followed a White House meeting between interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and President Trump.