In the early hours of Saturday, December 20, the United States Armed Forces launched intense airstrikes on ISIS strongholds in Syria. According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, these attacks were aimed at destroying the group’s combat units, critical infrastructure, and weapons depots.
"Hawkeye Strike": Over 70 targets eliminated
This military operation, named "Hawkeye Strike" and conducted by the Pentagon, targeted central regions of Syria. According to Pentagon representatives, more than 70 targets were destroyed in total.
- Attack directions: Missiles were directed at terrorist positions in the provinces of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Homs.
- Equipment used: The operation saw active involvement from modern U.S. fighter jets and attack helicopters.
Reprisal declared: Response to Palmyra attack
These decisive measures were carried out in response to a deadly incident in the city of Palmyra on December 13. During the attack, an ISIS militant ambushed a joint patrol of American and Syrian military personnel, resulting in the deaths of two U.S. servicemen, one American interpreter, and two Syrians.
"This is not the start of a war — it’s a declaration of reprisal. Let it be clear: If you raise your hand against Americans anywhere in the world, the United States will hunt you down, find you, and deliver relentless justice," asserted Pete Hegseth.
Coordination with Damascus and new restrictions
The Trump administration carried out these operations in collaboration with the interim Syrian government, which has been managing the country after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. President Donald Trump confirmed the existence of consistent communication between Washington and Damascus.
At the same time, the U.S. President continues to tighten security measures:
1. Entry ban: Starting January 1, 2026, citizens from 20 countries, including Syria and Palestine, will be completely banned from entering the United States.
2. Diplomatic meeting: In November, Trump received Ahmad al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, in Washington. For this meeting, al-Sharaa was temporarily removed from the terrorist list.
The U.S. military leadership has declared that operations will continue until ISIS is completely eradicated. This represents a strategic step aimed at ensuring regional security and minimizing the threat of terrorism.
Do you think the United States’ decisive counterstrikes can entirely halt ISIS operations in the region?
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