Why the US Carried Out the Strike
In Latest News, the United States has confirmed that its military carried out a major operation against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria. The action followed a deadly attack on American forces earlier this month. On December 13, two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed during an ambush in the Syrian city of Palmyra. Three other US soldiers were injured in the same attack.
US officials said the strike was meant to send a clear message that attacks on American troops will be answered strongly. This development has become Breaking News, as it marks one of the most intense US responses against IS in recent years.
What Happened During Operation Hawkeye Strike
The operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, was announced by the United States Central Command (Centcom). According to Centcom, the mission started on Friday evening and targeted more than 70 IS locations across central Syria.
US fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery were used in the strikes. Officials said more than 100 precision-guided weapons were fired at known IS camps, weapons storage areas, and operational bases. Aircraft from Jordan also took part, showing regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Centcom said the goal was to weaken IS’s ability to plan attacks and protect American forces working in the region.
Strong Statements From US Leadership
US President Donald Trump said the United States was striking IS “very strongly.” Posting on Truth Social, he said the US was delivering serious retaliation against the terrorists responsible for killing Americans. He also said the Syrian government supported the action.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used even tougher words. He said the operation was not the start of a new war but a clear act of revenge. He warned that anyone who attacks Americans will be hunted down and eliminated.
These statements have dominated Daily news highlights, showing how seriously Washington views the threat from IS.
Impact on the Ground and Conflicting Reports
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that IS positions near Raqqa and Deir ez Zor were hit. It claimed that a senior IS leader and several fighters were killed in the strikes. However, IS has not issued any official response, and independent verification remains difficult.
There are also conflicting reports about the Palmyra ambush. While Centcom said the attacker was an IS gunman who was later killed, the observatory claimed the attacker may have been linked to Syrian security forces. No group has officially claimed responsibility, and the identity of the attacker has not been made public.
Why Islamic State Remains a Threat
Although IS lost its last major territory in Syria in 2019, the group has not disappeared. The United Nations estimates that between 5,000 and 7,000 IS fighters are still active in Syria and Iraq. These fighters often hide in desert areas and carry out surprise attacks.
The US has kept troops in Syria since 2015 to support local forces and stop IS from rebuilding. Recently, Syria joined an international coalition against IS and pledged cooperation with the US. Officials say operations like this one will continue as long as the threat remains.
As the situation develops, this story will stay in Latest News, Breaking News, and Daily news highlights, with global attention focused on security in the Middle East.
