Argus News - US Launches Massive Airstrikes On ISIS Targets In Syria

Washington, Dec 20: The United States military launched massive airstrikes on Friday against dozens of Islamic State (ISIS) targets across central Syria, officials confirmed.


The strikes were conducted in direct retaliation for a December 13 attack near Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, and injured three others.


According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted ISIS infrastructure, weapons depots, and training sites in the Maadan desert (Raqqa), al-Hammad desert (Deir ez-Zor), and Jabal al-Amour near Palmyra.


Fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery were deployed, with more than 100 precision munitions used in the strikes.


Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described the operation, dubbed “Hawkeye Strike”, as a declaration of vengeance rather than the start of a new war.


Syrian state media confirmed that coalition forces struck multiple ISIS positions, causing significant damage.


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President Donald Trump had earlier vowed a forceful response to the Palmyra attack, which was carried out by a lone gunman suspected of ISIS affiliation. The incident underscored the persistent threat posed by ISIS remnants in Syria, despite years of coalition efforts to dismantle the group.


U.S. officials said the strikes are part of an ongoing campaign to degrade ISIS capabilities and prevent further attacks on American and coalition personnel.