U.S. Central Command confirmed on January 11, 2026, that American forces conducted large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets across Syria earlier today. The operation, carried out alongside partner forces, targeted multiple terrorist strongholds in response to escalating regional threats.
The strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched last month following a December 13, 2025, IS ambush near Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. U.S. Central Command stated the action demonstrates their ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters and prevent future attacks on coalition forces.
Military analysts note this marks the most significant counter-IS operation in Syria since 2023, with satellite imagery showing strikes concentrated in eastern Deir ez-Zor province. Regional governments have yet to issue formal responses, though security experts warn of potential retaliatory attacks against civilian infrastructure.
