U.S. Forces and Partners Conduct Follow-Up Operations Against ISIS in Syria After December Strikes
The strikes followed an attack on December 13 near Palmyra, where a Syrian security force member linked to ISIS killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
MIDDLE EAST — Between December 19 and 29, U.S. and partnered forces carried out follow-up operations against ISIS in Syria. According to U.S. Central Command, these missions resulted in the killing or capture of nearly 25 ISIS operatives, building on the large-scale strike conducted on December 19.
Video: U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 20, 2025) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers fire missiles in in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Dec. 20, 2025. The operation employed more than 100 precision munitions from multiple platforms targeting known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites. (U.S. Army video by Task Force Lightning – 3-116th FAR)
The operations from December 20 to 29 killed at least seven ISIS members and captured the remainder during 11 missions. These actions also eliminated four ISIS weapons caches.
The initial strike involved U.S. and Jordanian forces targeting over 70 sites with more than 100 precision munitions. Fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and artillery destroyed ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites across central Syria.
In 2025, ISIS inspired at least 11 plots or attacks against targets in the United States. U.S. and partner forces in Syria conducted operations over the last 12 months that detained more than 300 terrorists and killed over 20.
The Syrian government supported the U.S. military action. No civilian casualties occurred according to available data.