The United States carried out a sweeping series of airstrikes across Syria targeting ISIS positions, capturing or killing at least 50 operatives, in what officials described as an ongoing response to the deadly ambush that claimed the lives of American personnel late last year.

According to US military authorities, the strikes hit no fewer than 35 sites, with 20 American aircraft deploying more than 90 precision-guided weapons under Operation Hawkeye. The campaign follows the Dec. 13, 2025 ambush attributed to ISIS that left three Americans dead, including two US soldiers.

US Central Command stated that between Feb. 3 and Feb. 12, forces executed 10 separate strike missions aimed at 30 ISIS-linked targets. Those operations destroyed weapons depots and additional logistical infrastructure used by the terror organization.

Video footage released publicly showed powerful explosions ripping through multiple sites in Syria, with rockets detonating and sending clouds of smoke, dirt, and debris high into the air.

CBS reported that the operation involved a range of aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9 drones, and Jordanian F-16 fighter jets.

This latest campaign represents the third wave of US retaliatory action following the December ambush. On Dec. 19, just days after the killings, American forces struck more than 70 ISIS targets in Syria. A subsequent round of attacks was carried out on Jan. 10, when 35 additional targets were hit with precision-guided munitions, according to US CENTCOM.

“The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region,” US Central Command warned in a post on X last month.

“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,” CentCom concluded.

Military officials said Operation Hawkeye, which began on Dec. 19, 2025, resulted in the capture or elimination of at least 50 ISIS fighters.

The broader campaign reflects President Trump’s pledge to “retaliate” against ISIS in response to the ambush attack.

The victims of that assault were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, both members of the Iowa National Guard, along with US civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat, who were shot by an ISIS gunman.

“We will never forget, and never relent,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in an X post following military operations on Jan. 10.

Meanwhile, NBC reported Thursday that Syria’s Defense Ministry announced its forces had taken control of a strategic base in the eastern part of the country that had been operated by the US military for years.