U.S. forces hit more than 70 alleged terrorist targets with over 100 bombs, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
The Pentagon has released combat footage showing U.S. and allied forces conducting large-scale strikes against suspected Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist targets in Syria, part of Washington’s retaliation for the recent killing of American personnel.
In a late Friday post on X, CENTCOM said American and Jordanian forces struck over 70 targets across central Syria using more than 100 precision-guided munitions. The Pentagon noted the strikes were carried out under Operation Hawkeye Strike and involved U.S. fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery, and Jordanian fighter aircraft.
The released footage shows airstrikes and explosions hitting suspected militant positions at multiple locations, with the targets described as terrorist infrastructure and weapons sites.
“This operation is critical to stopping ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland,” CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said. “We will keep relentlessly pursuing terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region.”
Since the December 13 attack on U.S. and partner forces, American and allied troops have conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the death or detention of 23 suspected ISIS operatives, CENTCOM reported. Over the past six months, more than 80 counterterrorism operations have been carried out in Syria, the command added.
President Donald Trump said the new Syrian government was aware of and supported the retaliatory strike, while Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized the operation was a “declaration of vengeance” rather than a war.