CENTCOM launches Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria

Published Dec. 19, 2025
U.S. Central Command

TAMPA, Fla. (AFNS) --

Following the attack on U.S. and partner forces last Saturday, U.S. Central Command commenced Operation Hawkeye Strike at 4 pm ET against ISIS in Syria, Dec. 19, at the Commander in Chief’s direction.

CENTCOM forces struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria with fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery. The Jordanian Armed Forces also supported with fighter aircraft. The operation employed more than 100 precision munitions targeting known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites.

GBU-31 munition systems are loaded onto F-15E Strike Eagles — U.S. Airmen prepare to load GBU-31 munition systems onto F-15E Strike Eagles within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 18, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)

a GBU-31 munition system is loaded onto an F-15E Strike Eagle — A U.S. Airman loads a GBU-31 munition system onto an F-15E Strike Eagle within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 18, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)

GBU-31 munition systems are loaded onto an F-15E Strike Eagle — U.S. Airmen load GBU-31 munition systems onto an F-15E Strike Eagle within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 18, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)

“This operation is critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region.”

After the Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian personnel, U.S. and partner forces conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq resulting in the deaths or detention of 23 terrorist operatives.

U.S. and partner forces in Syria have conducted more than 80 operations over the last six months to eliminate terrorists posing a direct threat to the U.S. and regional security.