US and allied forces hit Islamic State targets across Syria on Saturday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The strikes came as a direct response to a deadly ISIS attack last month that killed three Americans. The strikes began around 12.30 pm local time and targeted multiple ISIS positions. US forces worked alongside partner nations in this large-scale operation named Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched on December 19, 2025, by order of President Donald Trump. The campaign follows a deadly ambush by ISIS on December 13 in Palmyra, Syria. That attack killed two American soldiers, Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. Three other Iowa National Guard members were also injured. This was the first deadly attack on US personnel in Syria since the fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. CENTCOM said, “The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria” and added, “Our message remains strong: 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 strikes are part of ongoing efforts to fight terrorism, stop future attacks, and protect US and partner forces in the region. Operation Hawkeye Strike started with a major attack on December 19, hitting about 70 ISIS targets in central Syria. The US and Jordan have also carried out earlier strikes under the same operation. A day before Saturday’s strikes, Syrian officials announced they arrested the ISIS military leader responsible for operations in the Levant.