January 10, 2026 l Reporter: Johnson
WASHINGTON — The United States, alongside coalition partners, conducted “large-scale” military strikes against the Daesh extremist group in Syria on Saturday, the U.S. military said, as part of an intensified effort to dismantle the group’s operational capabilities following a deadly assault last month that claimed the lives of three American service members.
The strikes labelled Operation Hawkeye Strike by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) were ordered by President Donald Trump in direct response to a December 13 attack near Palmyra, Syria, in which Daesh militants ambushed U.S. and allied forces. CENTCOM stated the campaign “targeted Daesh throughout Syria” and is designed to “root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, preventing future attacks, and protecting American and partner forces in the region.”
In a statement posted on the social platform X, CENTCOM declared that the strikes send a clear deterrent message: “If you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.” The broad coalition remains committed to pursuing extremist networks that pose threats to U.S. personnel and international security.
The Pentagon has not disclosed details regarding casualties or damage resulting from the operation, and the U.S. State Department did not immediately issue a comment. Amid ongoing conflict dynamics in Syria where Daesh maintains fluid insurgent activities the strikes underscore the Biden administration’s willingness to use decisive force in retaliation for attacks on U.S. forces even as broader geopolitical tensions persist across the region.
While U.S. military operations in Syria have continued intermittently over the years, the latest action illustrates a renewed push to suppress the extremist group’s resurgence and reaffirm coalition resolve. Observers note that sustained strikes may further heighten diplomatic strains with regional actors influenced by evolving U.S. policy, particularly given Syria’s fractured security environment and the involvement of multiple external powers.