US Forces Launch Major Air Campaign “Operation Hawkeye Strike” Against ISIS in Syria Following Deadly Ambush
In a significant escalation of counter-terrorism efforts, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that American forces have conducted a series of heavy airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) infrastructure in Syria. The operation, designated “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” struck over 30 specific targets between February 3 and February 12, aimed at dismantling the terror group’s ability to reconstitute itself in the region.
Operational Details
The coordinated air campaign focused on degrading ISIS capabilities in central Syria, specifically targeting weapons storage facilities, logistics nodes, and command centers. According to CENTCOM, the strikes were a direct retaliation for a deadly ambush in Palmyra last month that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Military officials confirmed that the operation has already resulted in the death or capture of several suspected ISIS operatives and the destruction of critical logistical networks.
“This sustained pressure is necessary to prevent the resurgence of ISIS networks that are attempting to exploit the current security environment,” a CENTCOM spokesperson stated. “Operation Hawkeye Strike demonstrates our resolve to protect our forces and our partners in the region.”
Background Context
The security landscape in Syria has undergone a dramatic transformation following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. The sudden power vacuum created when former regime forces abandoned their posts allowed ISIS cells to seize unguarded weapons depots and regroup in the desert regions.
In a geopolitical shift, Washington has reportedly increased coordination with the new governing authorities in Damascus. In November 2025, the new Syrian transitional government officially joined the international anti-ISIS coalition, marking a significant departure from the adversarial relationship during the Assad era. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently acknowledged this cooperation, praising the new government’s commitment to stabilizing the region. Additionally, the U.S. announced the successful transfer of approximately 5,700 ISIS detainees from holding facilities in Syria to Iraq to ensure they face trial and to relieve pressure on local security forces.
Objections and Strategic Concerns
Despite the tactical successes reported by the Pentagon, military analysts and critics have raised concerns regarding the long-term strategy. Some observers argue that relying heavily on airstrikes “over-the-horizon” may not be sufficient to root out deeply embedded insurgent cells without a more robust ground presence, which the U.S. has been reluctant to commit.
Furthermore, the new partnership with Damascus faces scrutiny. Skeptics question the reliability of the transitional Syrian forces, citing the chaotic security vacuum that facilitated the recent ISIS resurgence in the first place. There are also apprehensions that the influx of weapons following the regime’s fall has made the remaining terror cells more dangerous and better equipped than they have been in years, potentially drawing the U.S. into a prolonged engagement.
The strikes coincide with a tense domestic atmosphere in the U.S., as a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security began earlier on Saturday, complicating the broader national security picture.
theguardian.com
reddit.com
alarabiya.net
