US Launches Major Strikes on IS Base in Syria

The United States, in coordination with allied forces, has carried out a series of substantial military strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) strongholds and infrastructure across Syria. The operations, confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), were aimed at suppressing terrorist activity and ensuring the security of American and partner forces in the region. Rising ISIS activity in recent weeks, including attacks on US personnel, has heightened the urgency of these strikes.

According to CENTCOM, the attacks were conducted on Saturday under the directive of President Donald Trump, as part of “Operation Hawk Eye Strike.” The operation followed a deadly ISIS assault on US forces in Syria on 13 December, which resulted in casualties among American personnel. In an official statement, CENTCOM emphasised that the United States’ message is unequivocal: any attempt to harm US forces will be met with a decisive and uncompromising response.

A senior official speaking to CBS News, a partner of the BBC, disclosed that more than 20 war and surveillance aircraft participated in the operation. Over 90 precision-guided munitions were deployed against more than 35 designated targets. Aircraft involved included F-15E and A-10 jets, AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 drones, and Jordanian F-16 fighter jets.

Details of the precise locations struck or casualty figures have not been publicly released. However, the primary targets were confirmed to include ISIS command structures, weapons depots, and logistical hubs. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted on social media that the United States will never forget such attacks and will never cease its efforts to neutralise threats.

Operation Hawk Eye Strike was first announced by the Trump administration in December, following an incident in central Syria’s Palmyra region where an ISIS gunman killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Since then, operations against ISIS have intensified. Between 20 and 29 December, CENTCOM reported that nearly 25 ISIS fighters were killed or captured across 11 separate missions. The first major joint strike took place on 19 December, when US and Jordanian forces targeted over 70 ISIS positions in central Syria using more than 100 precision-guided munitions.

Summary of Operation Hawk Eye Strike

Analysts suggest that the operation reflects the United States’ determination to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in Syria. It also sends a strong signal to terrorist groups throughout the region: the United States and its allies will not compromise on security matters.