Summary
The United States military conducted a large-scale strike against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria after an attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The operation, called Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeted IS fighters and infrastructure in central Syria with the involvement of U.S. jets and helicopters, as well as aircraft from Jordan.
Key Facts
- The U.S. military launched a significant strike against IS in Syria, named Operation Hawkeye Strike.
- The operation was a response to a recent IS attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the strike as a strong retaliation and a defense of American citizens.
- The operation involved U.S. fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery, with support from Jordanian aircraft.
- IS positions near the Syrian cities of Raqqa and Deir ez Zor were targeted.
- An IS leader and several fighters were reported killed, though IS has not confirmed this.
- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) is a UK-based group that reported on the strike.
- The UN estimates IS still has 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
