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U.S. Strikes More Than 70 ISIS Targets in Syria in Retaliation for Palmyra Attack

Pentagon leaders describe a limited deterrent action meant to punish the group after the Palmyra killings.

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A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter watches over guests attending the SDF victory ceremony announcing the defeat of the Islamic State group in Baghouz, held at Omer Oil Field on March 23, 2019, in Deir Al Zor, Syria. The Kurdish-led and American-backed SDF declared the "100% territorial defeat" of the Islamic State group. (Chris McGrath/Getty)
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Overview

  • CENTCOM said Operation Hawkeye Strike hit more than 70 sites across central Syria using fighter jets, AH-64s, artillery and HIMARS, with Jordanian F-16s participating.
  • The strikes responded to a Dec. 13 shooting in Palmyra that left two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. interpreter dead and three troops wounded.
  • Syrian officials said the gunman had recently joined the new internal security forces and was being reviewed for suspected extremist ties.
  • CENTCOM reported 10 subsequent operations in Syria and Iraq resulting in 23 suspected operatives killed or detained, while casualty tallies from the initial strikes remain unverified.
  • President Trump vowed future attackers would be “hit harder than ever before,” and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the action “a declaration of vengeance,” as officials stressed it is not the start of a wider war.