The United States on Friday (local time) launched a military operation named Operation Hawkeye Strike targeting Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Syria, in retaliation for the killing of three Americans earlier this month. The victims included two US soldiers and one civilian interpreter, according to US officials. The operation was announced by US President Donald Trump, who described it as a strong and serious response to the attack. President Trump announced through Truth Social, saying the United States was carrying out the retaliation it had promised against those responsible for the killings. He referred to the deaths as a brutal act by ISIS and said America would not tolerate attacks on its people.

“Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria, whose beautiful souls I welcomed home to American soil earlier this week in a very dignified ceremony, I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible. We are striking very strongly against ISIS strongholds in Syria, a place soaked in blood, which has many problems, but one that has a bright future if ISIS can be eradicated. The Government of Syria, led by a man who is working very hard to bring Greatness back to Syria, and is fully in support. All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE IF YOU, IN ANY WAY, ATTACK OR THREATEN THE U.S.A.,” Trump said.

The president referred to a ceremony held earlier this week when the remains of the fallen Americans were brought back to the United States. He said the country was honouring their sacrifice and ensuring that those responsible would face consequences.

According to US officials, Operation Hawkeye Strike targeted ISIS strongholds in Syria. The strikes were aimed at weakening the terror group’s ability to operate and carry out attacks against US forces and interests in the region.

The military operation involved F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. These aircraft were used to strike ISIS positions, including locations believed to be used for weapons storage and coordination.

Following the president’s announcement, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a forceful response but stressed that it was not the start of a broader conflict.

“This is not the beginning of a war; it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people,” Hegseth said on social media on Friday.

The airstrikes came after an attack earlier this month in the Syrian Desert near Palmyra, where two members of the Iowa National Guard and a US civilian interpreter were killed. US authorities blamed ISIS for the attack, which prompted immediate calls for retaliation.

The two National Guard members were deployed in Syria as part of the ongoing US mission to prevent ISIS from regrouping. The presence of American troops in the region is focused on counterterrorism efforts and maintaining stability.

The White House said the operation showed that the administration was serious about responding to attacks on American personnel. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the president was fulfilling his commitment.

“President Trump told the world that the United States would retaliate for the killing of our heroes by ISIS in Syria, and he is delivering on that promise,” Kelly said.

The United States currently has hundreds of troops stationed in eastern Syria. These forces are part of a broader effort to counter ISIS and ensure the group does not regain control or influence in the region.

President Trump also said that the Syrian government supported the operation, indicating coordination in targeting ISIS strongholds. He said Syria had suffered greatly due to violence, but could have a brighter future if ISIS were eliminated.

Senior US officials emphasised that Operation Hawkeye Strike was a targeted response, not a move toward a wider war. The operation was presented as a warning to terrorist groups that attacks on Americans would result in strong and immediate retaliation.