Background of the Strikes

The airstrikes were carried out following a pledge from President Donald Trump to respond decisively after an attack purportedly orchestrated by an Islamic State operative over the weekend. A US official, who requested anonymity, characterized the airstrikes as a significant military response impacting various targets throughout central Syria.

Details of the Operations

Trump reported on social media that the Syrian government had fully backed these strikes, which he referred to as “very serious retaliation.” US Central Command announced that more than 70 targets in central Syria were hit, with support from Jordanian fighter jets enhancing the operation’s effectiveness.

Recent Casualties and Military Presence

Tragically, two members of the Iowa National Guard and a civilian interpreter lost their lives in a recent attack in Palmyra, Syria. This attack involved a lone assailant targeting a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being neutralized. Three other US soldiers sustained injuries during this incident.

Currently, there are approximately 1,000 US troops stationed in Syria, tasked with preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that military actions against IS would persist.

Official Statements and Future Actions

“This is not the beginning of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance,” Hegseth stated on social media. “The United States, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate to defend our people.” He emphasized the lethality of the strikes, stating: “Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.” The specific details of the strikes remain undisclosed.

The targeted operations were labeled “OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE,” with a focus on eliminating ISIS fighters, their infrastructure, and weapon sites.

Implications of the Attacks

The recent fatalities of American personnel mark the first US casualties in Syria since the ousting of dictator Bashar al-Assad last year, during operations aimed at counterterrorism. The attacker was reportedly affiliated with local security forces and suspected of having ties to the Islamic State.

In a notable shift in foreign policy, Trump signed legislation on Thursday repealing a final series of stringent economic sanctions against Syria, which had been imposed as repercussions for Assad’s human rights violations during the civil war. Following Assad’s removal in December 2024, advocates argued for lifting the sanctions.

The Changing Landscape of Syrian Governance

The Syrian government is currently composed of former rebels who succeeded in toppling Assad after a prolonged 13-year civil war. Among them are factions that previously aligned with Al-Qaeda but later distanced themselves from the organization to engage in conflict with the Islamic State.

Syria has recently cooperated with a US-led coalition against the Islamic State, having solidified an agreement last month when President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House.