Operation Hawkeye Strike Targets ISIS in Syria

The United States has launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, a coordinated series of airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria. The action follows the killing of three Americans in a December attack in the Syrian desert and marks a significant escalation in US military retaliation against the extremist group. Washington has described the strikes as a direct response aimed at deterring further attacks on US personnel.

Triggering Incident and Casualties

The operation was prompted by a December 13 assault attributed to ISIS, which resulted in the deaths of two members of the Iowa National Guard and a US civilian interpreter. The victims were part of a broader American deployment operating alongside coalition forces in eastern Syria. Following confirmation of the attack, US officials blamed ISIS cells active in remote desert regions, despite sustained counter-terrorism pressure over recent years.

US Political and Military Response

President Donald Trump termed the strikes a “very serious retaliation” and warned militant groups against targeting Americans. He emphasised that the action was a fulfilment of a public commitment to respond decisively. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth framed the move as a “declaration of vengeance”, underscoring that the strikes were not the beginning of a new war but a focused punitive response. The White House reiterated that protecting US personnel remains a non-negotiable priority.

Operational Details and Coordination

Operation Hawkeye Strike involved advanced US air assets, including F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. According to US officials, multiple ISIS strongholds were hit in precision strikes aimed at degrading leadership, logistics, and operational capabilities. The US administration stated that Syrian government forces were informed and supportive, highlighting increased coordination with Syrian security elements in recent months.

What to Note for Exams?

• The Islamic State emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq and declared a caliphate in 2014.
• The US-led coalition has maintained troops in eastern Syria to counter ISIS resurgence.
• A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are specifically designed for close air support missions.
• National Guard units are frequently deployed overseas under federal authority.

Broader Strategic Implications

The strikes signal continued US commitment to counter-terrorism operations in Syria despite debates over troop presence and regional stability. Officials argue that ISIS, though territorially defeated, retains the capacity for lethal attacks. Operation Hawkeye Strike is intended to disrupt these capabilities while sending a deterrent message to hostile actors operating in the region.