On January 10, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces, working alongside partner forces, carried out large-scale strikes targeting multiple ISIS positions across Syria. The operation took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
These strikes are a continuation of Operation Hawkeye Strike, an ongoing military campaign that CENTCOM initially launched on December 19, 2025. The operation was ordered by President Trump in direct response to a deadly ambush carried out by an ISIS terrorist on December 13, 2025, near the Syrian city of Palmyra.
In that attack, a lone gunman opened fire on U.S. and Syrian forces during a joint engagement, resulting in the deaths of two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter. Three additional U.S. service members were injured in the incident. The attacker, who was subsequently killed by partner forces, was identified by CENTCOM as an ISIS-affiliated gunman.
The January 10 strikes represent the latest phase in the broader effort under Operation Hawkeye Strike to degrade ISIS capabilities in the region. CENTCOM emphasized that the actions target ISIS throughout Syria as part of a sustained commitment to eliminate Islamic terrorism threats directed against U.S. warfighters, prevent future attacks, and safeguard American and partner forces operating in the area.
“U.S. and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States. 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 ongoing operation underscores the continued U.S. focus on counterterrorism in Syria, where American forces maintain a presence to counter ISIS remnants following the group’s territorial defeat in 2019. This phase of strikes follows the initial large-scale attacks in December 2025, which reportedly hit over 70 targets using a combination of aircraft, helicopters, and precision munitions.
CENTCOM has not released specific details on the outcomes of the January 10 strikes, such as the number of targets engaged or assessed damage, but described them as part of the persistent campaign to disrupt ISIS infrastructure and operations.
