Following a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of three American service members and a civilian contractor in Syria, the U.S. military launched retaliatory airstrikes Friday against facilities linked to ISIS. The strikes,dubbed “Operation Hawkeye,” targeted locations across central Syria and represent a important escalation in direct U.S.action against the militant group in the region, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The U.S. military has launched airstrikes against targets linked to ISIS in Syria, responding to recent attacks that killed American service members in the region. The strikes mark a significant escalation in direct U.S. involvement against the militant group in recent weeks.
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against multiple targets associated with ISIS in Syria, according to reports from the New York Times.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, stating:
“Earlier Friday, U.S. forces initiated ‘Operation Hawkeye’ in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters,” he said, as reported by Reuters.
U.S. military aircraft, helicopters, and artillery were used in the strikes against dozens of suspected ISIS locations, including weapons caches and buildings, across central Syria, a U.S. official told the newspaper.
The extent of any damage remains unknown at this time.
The strikes came after President Donald Trump vowed retaliation following an attack on American troops last week in Palmyra, Syria, believed to have been carried out by ISIS affiliates.
Two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter were killed in the attack on Saturday. The incident involved an attack on a convoy of American and Syrian troops. The attacker was shot and killed, U.S. officials have said.
Three additional American soldiers were killed in the attack last weekend.
