US Military Conducts Strikes Against Islamic State Targets in Syria

Sun Jan 11 2026 12:08:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a swift military response following an attack on US forces, the US and coalition partners launched a series of airstrikes against Islamic State locations in Syria, marking a significant escalation in military operations against the extremist group.

The US military, under directives from President Trump, has executed extensive airstrikes on Islamic State group targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. This action responds to a recent deadly attack on US forces. The operation involved over 20 aircraft and targeted more than 35 locations, emphasizing the US's commitment to combat terrorism in the region.

The US and its partner forces have carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State (IS) group targets in Syria, the US Central Command (Centcom) announced.

US President Donald Trump directed the strikes on Saturday, which are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, in retaliation to the IS group's deadly attack on US forces in Syria on December 13, according to Centcom.

The strikes were intended to combat terrorism and protect US and partner forces in the region. 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, Centcom stated.

More than 90 precision munitions were deployed against 35 targets in an operation that involved over 20 aircraft. Details surrounding the specific locations and any potential casualties remains unclear.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the US’s unwavering commitment saying, We will never forget, and never relent, regarding the military action.

Operation Hawkeye Strike was first announced in December after an IS gunman ambushed US forces, killing two soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra, Syria, with Hegseth labeling this operation as a declaration of vengeance.
Prior to the latest strikes, US forces had reportedly killed or captured nearly 25 IS group members in operations conducted between December 20 and December 29, according to Centcom.

The operation has seen a series of increased military actions as US forces strive to dismantle IS infrastructure in the region, continuing their longstanding mission to counteract terrorism.