The United States has launched a new wave of large-scale military strikes against ISIL in Syria, following a deadly ambush last month that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter near the ancient city of Palmyra.
In a statement released on Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attacks began around 17:30 GMT and targeted multiple ISIL positions across the country.
“Our message is clear,” CENTCOM said. “If you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, regardless of how hard you try to evade justice.”
The military did not provide details on casualties from the strikes.
Operation Hawkeye Strike
Video footage released by CENTCOM on X showed several explosions in what appeared to be remote areas, though locations were not specified. The command said the strikes were carried out alongside partner forces, without naming which groups were involved.
The campaign is part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched in response to the December 13 ambush in Palmyra. Syrian authorities said the attacker was a lone gunman affiliated with local security forces who was facing dismissal over extremist views.
The operation began on December 19 with a major assault that, according to the US military, struck around 70 ISIL-linked targets across central Syria, including weapons depots and infrastructure.
On December 30, CENTCOM said its forces had killed or captured roughly 25 ISIL fighters during follow-up operations.
Shifting alliances in Syria
For years, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) served as Washington’s primary partner in combating ISIL. However, since the removal of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, US coordination has increasingly included Syria’s central government in Damascus.
Syria formally joined the US-led coalition against ISIL after reaching an agreement late last year. President Ahmed al-Sharaa later visited the White House, signalling closer cooperation.
Syrian officials announced last month that senior ISIL figure Taha al-Zoubi had been arrested in the countryside outside Damascus.
US troop presence under review
President Donald Trump has long expressed scepticism about a prolonged US military presence in Syria. During his first term, he ordered troop withdrawals but ultimately left forces in place.
Currently, about 1,000 US troops remain deployed in Syria. The Pentagon has said it plans to further reduce troop numbers and eventually consolidate its military footprint to a single base.
Despite those plans, US officials say operations against ISIL will continue as long as the group poses a threat, underscoring Washington’s commitment to preventing the militant organisation from regaining strength in the region.