U.S. Central Command, with support from the Jordanian Armed Forces, carried out coordinated military strikes against ISIS targets across central Syria on December 19, following an earlier attack on U.S. and partner forces. The operation, launched at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the direction of the U.S. Commander in Chief, was designated Operation Hawkeye Strike.
According to CENTCOM, forces struck more than 70 ISIS-linked targets at multiple locations using fighter aircraft, attack helicopters and artillery, deploying over 100 precision-guided munitions. The strikes targeted known ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage sites, with Jordanian fighter aircraft providing operational support.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the operation was aimed at preventing ISIS from planning and inspiring attacks against the United States and its partners, adding that operations against extremist elements would continue across the region.
The strikes followed a December 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian personnel, after which U.S. and partner forces conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the deaths or detention of 23 ISIS operatives. CENTCOM said more than 80 counterterrorism operations have been carried out in Syria over the past six months to address threats to regional and international security.
