The strikes were conducted under Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched and announced on 19 December 2025 at the direction of President Trump. The operation followed a deadly ISIS attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra on 13 December 2025 that killed two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter.
According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes are intended to root out Islamic terrorism, prevent future attacks and protect American and partner forces in the region. A statement added: “Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.”
