(VOVWORLD) - The US Central Command (USCENTCOM) confirmed that the United States carried out “large-scale airstrikes” against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group in Syria on Saturday in retaliation for a December 2025 attack that killed three Americans.
These strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched on December 19, 2025, at President Donald Trump's order.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a US Central Command spokesman, said that more than 35 targets were struck, along with more than 90 precision munitions fired and more than 20 aircraft were involved in the strikes.
USCENTCOM stressed that the airstrikes are “part of an unwavering commitment” by the US military to eradicate terrorist threats to American warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect US forces and partners in the region.