The U.S. military carried out wide-ranging airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) targets across central Syria, including around Palmyra, after an attack that killed two American service members and an American civilian interpreter. U.S. officials described the action as a large-scale operation aimed at ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites, and said additional strikes could follow. President Trump had promised retaliation after the deaths, and some coverage noted the operation occurred amid the administration’s stated effort to improve relations with Syria’s new leadership.
Highlights:
- Operation name: Some outlets reported the mission as “Operation Hawkeye Storm,” a reference to Iowa, where the two National Guard soldiers were from.
- Weapons used: U.S. f...
The U.S. military carried out wide-ranging airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) targets across central Syria, including around Palmyra, after an attack that killed two American service members and an American civilian interpreter. U.S. officials described the action as a large-scale operation aimed at ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites, and said additional strikes could follow. President Trump had promised retaliation after the deaths, and some coverage noted the operation occurred amid the administration’s stated effort to improve relations with Syria’s new leadership.
Highlights:
- Operation name: Some outlets reported the mission as “Operation Hawkeye Storm,” a reference to Iowa, where the two National Guard soldiers were from.
- Weapons used: U.S. forces used more than 100 precision munitions during the strikes, according to one report.
- Partner involvement: PJ Media reported Jordan’s air force participated alongside the U.S. in carrying out the retaliatory strikes.
- Defense messaging: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed the action as retaliation rather than a new war in a statement posted on X.
- Casualty claim: The New York Post said the strikes killed “at least 5” ISIS fighters, while other outlets emphasized targets hit rather than confirmed deaths.
This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance, - Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
Perspectives:
- Trump administration / U.S. military: Officials said the strikes targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites in retaliation for the killings, describing the action as large-scale and suggesting more strikes may come. (AllSides)
- President Trump: The President promised “very serious retaliation” after the ambush that killed U.S. troops and an interpreter, with supporters describing the response as successful. (New York Post)
- U.S. Defense Department leadership: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented the strikes as a forceful act of defense and retaliation under President Trump’s leadership. (AllSides)
- Commentary highlighting diplomacy: One write-up emphasized that the strikes came as President Trump has declared a rapprochement with Syria’s new leadership, underscoring the balancing act between counterterrorism and diplomacy. (Reddit)
Sources:
- The United States Launches Its Largest Strike Against ISIS in Syria in Years in Response to the Death of American Service Members. The Operation Takes Place Amid Trump’s Declared Rapprochement With Syria’s New Leadership - reddit.com
- US kills ‘at least 5’ ISIS thugs in Syria in response to insider attack that gunned down American troops: ‘It was very successful’ - nypost.com
- U.S. strikes ISIS targets in Syria, after killing of 2 soldiers and interpreter - cbsnews.com
- US military launches strikes in Syria targeting Islamic State fighters after American deaths - allsides.com
- U.S. Carries Out More Than 70 Retaliatory Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria - pjmedia.com
- The United States says it has carried out airstrikes on 70 targets at multiple locations against ISIS in Syria. - bbc.com