Overview
- U.S. Central Command said forces carried out large-scale strikes at about 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.
- More than 90 precision munitions were launched by over two dozen aircraft against more than 35 targets, according to U.S. officials cited by major outlets.
- CENTCOM said partner forces took part but did not identify them, and it withheld details on locations and any casualties while assessments continue.
- The campaign was ordered by President Donald Trump on Dec. 19 and follows an ISIS gunman’s ambush near Palmyra that killed two Iowa National Guard soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter.
- Officials say the effort aims to degrade ISIS networks and deter further attacks, noting earlier December strikes hit roughly 70 targets and that UK and French forces conducted related missions this month.