The United States has carried out one of its most extensive counterterrorism air operations in recent years, launching coordinated strikes on more than 70 locations linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) across Syria. The military campaign, officially named operation hawkeye, was conducted in response to the killing of two American soldiers and a local translator during a deadly attack earlier this month.
US officials confirmed that the large-scale strikes were designed to weaken the remaining ISIS network operating in the region and send a clear warning that attacks on American personnel will not go unanswered. The operation reflects Washington’s continued commitment to combating terrorism in the Middle East, even as ISIS no longer controls vast territories as it once did.
Why the Mission Was Named Operation Hawkeye
The name operation hawkeye carries deep emotional significance. The two American soldiers killed in Syria were members of the Iowa National Guard. Iowa is famously known as the “Hawkeye State,” a nickname rooted in American history and identity.
US defense officials said the operation’s name was chosen to honor the fallen soldiers and symbolize vigilance, precision, and unwavering resolve. The mission was intended not only as a military response but also as a tribute to those who lost their lives while serving abroad.
More Than 70 ISIS Sites Targeted in Coordinated Strikes
According to US military sources, the air campaign targeted more than 70 ISIS-linked sites across multiple regions of Syria. These included:
- Safe houses used by ISIS operatives
- Weapons storage facilities
- Training compounds
- Logistics hubs and supply routes
- Command and coordination locations
The strikes were carried out with precision-guided munitions to minimize civilian harm while maximizing damage to ISIS’s operational capabilities. Officials stated that intelligence gathered from earlier raids and electronic surveillance played a crucial role in identifying the targets.
American defense authorities described the operation as one of the most intelligence-driven strikes conducted against ISIS in recent months.
Background: The Deadly Attack That Triggered the Response
The events leading to operation hawkeye began on December 13, when two American soldiers and a local translator were killed during an encounter in the Palmyra region of Syria. The soldiers were reportedly conducting security-related operations when they came under attack.
The fallen US service members were later identified as:
- Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25
- Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, 29
Both soldiers were part of the Iowa National Guard and were deployed to Syria as part of ongoing US-led counterterrorism efforts. Three additional Iowa National Guard soldiers were injured in the same incident and were later evacuated to a secure location for medical treatment.
The deaths sent shockwaves through military communities in both the United States and abroad, prompting immediate calls for decisive action.
US Defense Secretary: “This Was an Act of Revenge”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the airstrikes as a direct response to the loss of American lives. In a public statement, he emphasized that the operation was not intended to signal the start of a new war.
“This was an act of revenge against those who killed American soldiers,” Hegseth said. “Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, the United States will never hesitate to defend its people and its interests.”
He added that the strikes were carefully planned to ensure accountability without escalating into broader conflict, reinforcing America’s stance against terrorism while maintaining regional stability.
Trump: Promise Made, Promise Kept
Former US President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the developments, stating that the airstrikes fulfilled a promise he made to protect American forces overseas.
Trump said that the bodies of the fallen soldiers were returned to the United States with full military honors, and the nation paid tribute to their sacrifice. He reiterated that any attack on American troops would result in swift and forceful retaliation.
“America is responding to the attackers,” Trump said. “Those responsible for harming our soldiers will face consequences far greater than they expect.”
He also expressed hope that eliminating ISIS remnants could eventually bring stability to Syria, a country that has endured years of bloodshed and unrest.
Hundreds of US Troops Still Deployed in Syria
Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS’s so-called caliphate, the United States continues to maintain a military presence in Syria. US officials confirmed that several hundred American troops remain stationed there, primarily focused on counterterrorism operations and supporting regional allies.
ISIS rose to global prominence around 2014 and 2015, when it seized large areas of Syria and Iraq. At its peak, the group controlled major cities, oil resources, and millions of civilians. However, sustained military action by the US and its allies eventually dismantled most of ISIS’s territorial control.
Even so, ISIS cells continue to operate in remote and unstable areas, carrying out sporadic attacks and posing an ongoing security threat.
How Intelligence Led to Operation Hawkeye
Before launching operation hawkeye, US forces and their allies conducted a series of smaller operations in the aftermath of the December 13 attack. During these missions, approximately 23 individuals were either killed or captured.
Crucially, electronic devices seized during those operations provided valuable intelligence. Officials said data extracted from phones, computers, and communication tools helped map ISIS networks and identify high-value targets.
This intelligence-driven approach allowed the US military to plan a large-scale operation aimed at disrupting ISIS’s ability to regroup and strike again.
Allies Join the Fight Against ISIS
The United States did not act alone in carrying out operation hawkeye. Several allied nations, including Jordan, participated in or supported the mission.
US officials highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism, stressing that ISIS remains a global threat that requires a unified response. Coordination with regional partners helped ensure the effectiveness of the strikes and reinforced long-standing alliances.
Questions Over the Attack’s Origins
Despite the US linking the targeted sites to ISIS, questions remain about the December 13 attack that sparked the operation. The Syrian government’s Interior Ministry claimed that the individual responsible for the attack was affiliated with its Internal Defense Services.
Both US and Syrian officials have acknowledged that the attacker’s direct ties to ISIS are not entirely clear. Notably, ISIS has not officially claimed responsibility for the incident.
Nevertheless, US authorities maintain that the locations struck during operation hawkeye were connected to ISIS operatives and infrastructure, arguing that the operation was justified based on intelligence assessments.
Honoring the Fallen and Supporting Families
A senior official from the Iowa National Guard said that supporting the families of the fallen and injured soldiers remains the top priority.
“Our hearts are with the families during this difficult time,” the official said. “The Iowa National Guard stands united in honoring the service and sacrifice of our soldiers.”
Earlier this year, approximately 1,800 Iowa National Guard members were deployed to the Middle East as part of international counterterrorism efforts. Their mission falls under the broader campaign known as Operation Inherent Resolve, a multinational effort aimed at eliminating ISIS.
Operation Inherent Resolve Continues
Operation Inherent Resolve, launched in 2014, remains the central framework for US and allied military actions against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. While the group has lost much of its former power, officials caution that complacency could allow it to resurface.
The Pentagon has repeatedly stated that sustained pressure is essential to prevent ISIS from reorganizing or launching new attacks against US forces or regional partners.
Operation hawkeye is now being seen as a critical extension of that mission, designed to neutralize remaining threats and deter future violence.
A Clear Warning to Terrorist Groups
US leaders have made it clear that attacks on American personnel will trigger decisive responses. Trump warned that any individual or group that threatens the United States will face consequences “far stronger than ever before.”
Defense analysts say the operation sends a powerful message-not only to ISIS but to other extremist organizations operating in unstable regions.
By demonstrating its ability to strike swiftly and accurately, the US aims to maintain deterrence and protect its forces abroad.
Looking Ahead: The Future of US Operations in Syria
While operation hawkeye has dealt a significant blow to ISIS infrastructure, experts believe the fight against extremism in Syria is far from over. The country’s complex political landscape and ongoing instability continue to create opportunities for militant groups.
US officials have not indicated plans for a full withdrawal of troops, emphasizing instead a measured approach focused on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation.
For now, Washington has reaffirmed its stance: the safety of American soldiers remains non-negotiable, and any threat to them will be met with force.
Conclusion
America’s operation hawkeye marks a decisive chapter in the ongoing battle against ISIS in Syria. By striking more than 70 terrorist-linked locations, the United States has demonstrated its resolve to avenge fallen soldiers and prevent future attacks.
As the dust settles, the operation stands as both a tribute to the lives lost and a warning to those who seek to harm American forces. With hundreds of US troops still on the ground and alliances firmly in place, the fight against ISIS continues-driven by vigilance, accountability, and the promise that such sacrifices will
