The United States military has unleashed a flurry of airstrikes in Syria, targeting over 30 Islamic State (ISIS) positions in just 10 operations spanning the past two weeks. This aggressive campaign is part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, a direct response to a deadly ambush last December that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

The strikes kicked off after ISIS-linked militants ambushed a joint US-Syrian patrol in Palmyra on December 13. Among the fallen were US soldiers Edgar Torres-Tar and William Nathaniel Howard, alongside interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat; three Syrian troops were also wounded. CENTCOM first hit back with preliminary strikes in late January, followed by these 10 precise attacks from February 3 to 12 using jets, helicopters, and drones. No civilian casualties were reported, with munitions zeroing in on weapons caches and fighter infrastructure.

Though ISIS lost its so-called caliphate in 2019, sleeper cells persist, launching hit-and-run attacks to rebuild strength. CENTCOM reports more than 50 ISIS fighters killed or detained and over 100 sites disrupted since the operation began, extending efforts into Iraq as well. This mirrors the massive 2014-2019 air campaign that slashed ISIS territory by 90%, but analysts stress that sustained pressure is key to preventing resurgence.

With President Trump prioritizing counterterrorism post his 2025 inauguration, these moves underscore a no-tolerance stance. Notably, the US thanked Damascus for coalition support, a rare diplomatic olive branch amid Syria's fragile stability. The ops aim to cripple supply lines and avert repeats of the Palmyra tragedy, though experts debate long-term impact—echoing challenges in past conflicts like Afghanistan. CENTCOM promises further updates as intelligence develops. This escalation highlights the enduring ISIS threat in the Middle East.