US launches strikes against ISIS targets in Syria in response to attack that killed three Americans

WASHINTON, DC: The United States military executed a major series of “large-scale strikes” against ISIS targets in Syria on Saturday, January 10.

This operation follows the direct orders of President Donald Trump to retaliate for a December attack that killed three Americans in the city of Palmyra.

US launches attacks against ISIS in response to the Palmyra Attack

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed in a statement that the strikes took place around 12.30 pm ET and hit multiple ISIS locations across Syria.

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by USCC, “These strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched and announced on Dec. 19, 2025, at the direction of President Trump, in direct response to the deadly ISIS attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, 2025.”

The military explained that the retaliation was necessary because “that ambush, carried out by an ISIS te**orist, resulted in the tragic deaths of two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter.”

It is to be noted that on December 19, the US military initiated Operation Hawkeye Strike by conducting a massive bombardment of 70 sites in central Syria used by ISIS for weapons storage and infrastructure.

By December 30, military officials reported that the ongoing operation had resulted in the capture or death of approximately 25 ISIS fighters since its commencement.

US Central Command issues stern warning amid large-scale strikes

The military released footage showing fighter jets taking off and black-and-white videos of various sites exploding during the raid. 

The Saturday strikes “targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic te**orism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region.” 

CENTCOM sent a clear warning to the group by stating, "U.S. and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing te**orists who seek to harm the United States. 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."

Trump earlier vowed retaliation after attack on Americans

Trump had promised immediate consequences following the December 13 attack that killed the three Americans.

In the hours after that event, he had stated, “This was an ISIS attack against the US, and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria that is not fully controlled by them.” 

He also mentioned that “the President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”