Trump Orders Massive Retaliatory Strikes On ISIS In Syria

Understanding Attack

On December 13, 2025, tragedy struck in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria.

A lone gunman ambushed a joint convoy of American and Syrian forces, killing two brave Iowa National Guard soldiers, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Grimes, and a dedicated civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat from Michigan.

Three other US soldiers were wounded in the attack.

US officials quickly attributed the assault to an ISIS-affiliated individual.

At the same time, some Syrian reports described the attacker as a member of the security forces with extremist sympathies who was about to be dismissed.

Responding forces killed the gunman.

This incident marked the first American casualties in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024, highlighting the persistent dangers posed by ISIS remnants even in a post-Assad era.

President Donald Trump immediately vowed strong retaliation, calling the attackers “murderous terrorists” and promising justice for the fallen patriots.

The dignified transfer of the remains at Dover Air Force Base, attended by Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscored the nation’s grief and resolve.

Operation Hawkeye Strike

In direct response, on December 19, 2025, the United States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, a large-scale military operation targeting ISIS strongholds across central Syria. Named in honour of Iowa, known as the Hawkeye State, and the home of the slain soldiers, the operation symbolized both tribute and vengeance.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck more than 70 ISIS targets, including fighters, infrastructure, weapons storage sites, and operational hubs.

Locations spanned the vast Badia desert, as well as provinces like Homs, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and areas near Palmyra.

Over 100 precision munitions were deployed in strikes that lasted several hours, with indications of potential follow-on actions in the coming weeks.

Jordanian air forces participated, underscoring regional cooperation against terrorism.

Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted at least five ISIS members killed, including a key drone cell leader.

However, US officials emphasized significant overall enemy losses without specific figures.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a “declaration of vengeance,” stressing it was not the start of a broader war but a clear message: America will hunt down those who harm its people.

President Trump praised the strikes as “very successful” and “precision,” hitting every target flawlessly while restoring peace through strength.

Broader Context

The fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 created a power vacuum that ISIS has attempted to exploit.

Despite losing its territorial caliphate years ago, the group maintains sleeper cells and remnants estimated at 1,500 to 3,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq.

Since the regime change, the new Syrian government under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has committed to combating ISIS, coordinating with US forces, and even welcoming international support.

Approximately 1,000 US troops remain in Syria, focused solely on counter-ISIS missions and preventing the group’s resurgence.

In the lead-up to Operation Hawkeye Strike, US and partner forces conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, killing or detaining around 23 terrorists and gathering valuable intelligence that informed the larger strikes.

This is part of ongoing efforts, including over 75 targets hit earlier in 2024-2025, to counter exploitation of the transitional chaos.

The new Syrian leadership reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating ISIS safe havens, stating the Palmyra attack only strengthened resolve for international cooperation against terrorism.

Why This Operation Matters

These strikes represent one of the most significant US actions against ISIS in Syria in recent years.

They demonstrate unwavering commitment to protecting American personnel abroad and supporting allies in stabilizing volatile regions.

By degrading ISIS capabilities, destroying weapons caches, command centres, and fighters, the operation disrupts potential plots and sends a deterrent message to extremists worldwide.

It also highlights improved US-Syrian ties, with the new government fully supporting the mission.

Trivia

Iowa, the “Hawkeye State,” got its nickname from a character in James Fenimore Cooper’s novel The Last of the Mohicans, a tribute to sharp-eyed frontiersman Hawkeye. Naming the operation after it honours not just the fallen soldiers’ home but a legacy of vigilance and precision.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles from Operation Hawkeye Strike, the fight against ISIS continues.

With potential follow-on operations and ongoing joint efforts, the US and its partners are working to ensure the group cannot regroup or threaten stability in Syria or beyond.

At THOUSIF INCORPORATED, we believe in delivering clear, straightforward news that helps you stay informed on important global events.

Thanks for reading.

Feel free to explore more of our articles on international security and current affairs right here on the site.

Stay safe and informed!

About The Author

THOUSIF INCORPORATED

Our editorial team at THOUSIF INCORPORATED is a group of experts who aim to create well-researched, highly informative, and helpful content.

See author's posts