Operation Hawkeye Strike: US hits ISIS targets in Syria
Why in the news
The United States carried out strikes named Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS positions in Syria, reported on 20 December 2025, in response to a deadly attack a week earlier.
Key facts
- Trigger: a 13 December ISIS attack killed two Iowa National Guard members and one US civilian interpreter in eastern Syria.
- Assets: F-15 Eagle fighters, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
- Targets: ISIS leadership, logistics and operational capabilities in desert regions of Syria.
- Statements: President Donald Trump spoke of very serious retaliation; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the words declaration of vengeance.
- Syrian side: reports said Syrian government forces were informed and supportive.
| Aircraft | Type |
|---|---|
| F-15 Eagle | Fighter jet |
| A-10 Thunderbolt II | Attack aircraft |
| AH-64 Apache | Attack helicopter |
About the context
- The victims were deployed with coalition forces in eastern Syria.
- US officials noted that ISIS can still mount lethal attacks despite losing its territory.
- The strikes are part of continuing US counter-terrorism operations in Syria.
Exam angle
- Named military operations are common in defence sections: note the name and the country involved.
- Remember the trigger: the 13 December attack on US personnel.
- Match aircraft types such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II and AH-64 Apache with their roles.