US Launches Massive Retaliatory Strikes Against ISIS in Syria
US military strikes over 70 ISIS targets in Syria, retaliating for American soldier deaths.
Photo by Lerone Pieters
The U.S. military conducted massive air strikes on over 70 Islamic State (ISIS) targets across central Syria, involving fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery.
This operation, named "HAWKEYE STRIKE," was a direct retaliation for the killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra on December 13. While described as a "declaration of vengeance" by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, rather than a new war, it underscores the US's continued commitment to counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East and its willingness to respond forcefully to attacks on its personnel.
Key Facts
U.S. military struck over 70 Islamic State targets in Syria
Operation named 'HAWKEYE STRIKE'
Retaliation for killing of two American soldiers and one civilian interpreter on December 13 in Palmyra
Involved fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery
Jordanian forces assisted in the attack
President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth commented
UPSC Exam Angles
Geopolitics of the Middle East and its impact on global security.
US foreign policy and counter-terrorism strategy.
International law concerning state sovereignty and military intervention.
The nature and evolution of non-state actors like ISIS.
Role of international organizations (e.g., UN) in conflict resolution and counter-terrorism.
Visual Insights
US Retaliatory Strikes in Syria: Geographic Context
This map illustrates the location of the US retaliatory strikes in central Syria against ISIS targets, highlighting key areas of ISIS activity and the broader geopolitical landscape of the region as of December 2025.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS): 1. ISIS originated as an offshoot of Al-Qaeda in Iraq following the 2003 invasion. 2. It declared a global caliphate in 2014, claiming religious authority over all Muslims worldwide. 3. The United Nations Security Council has passed multiple resolutions imposing sanctions and calling for international action against ISIS. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. ISIS (initially ISI, then ISIL/ISIS) indeed emerged from Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Statement 2 is correct. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS, declared a caliphate in June 2014, claiming religious authority over all Muslims. Statement 3 is correct. The UN Security Council has adopted several resolutions, such as Resolution 2170 (2014) and 2249 (2015), condemning ISIS and calling for international efforts to counter it, including sanctions.
2. In the context of the Syrian Civil War and external interventions, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.Russia has consistently supported the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad.
- B.Turkey has primarily focused its military operations in Syria against Kurdish-led forces it considers terrorist organizations.
- C.The United States has historically supported various rebel groups against the Assad regime, in addition to its anti-ISIS operations.
- D.Iran's involvement in Syria has been limited to humanitarian aid and diplomatic support for the Assad government, without direct military presence.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement D is NOT correct. Iran has a significant military presence and influence in Syria, providing substantial military, financial, and political support to the Assad government through its own forces (like the IRGC) and proxy militias (like Hezbollah). Statements A, B, and C are correct. Russia is a key ally of Assad. Turkey views Kurdish YPG as a terrorist group linked to PKK and has launched operations against them. The US has supported various opposition groups and conducted anti-ISIS operations.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the principles of international law often invoked in the context of cross-border military strikes: 1. The principle of 'self-defense' under Article 51 of the UN Charter allows a state to use force against an armed attack, but generally requires prior authorization from the UN Security Council for actions beyond immediate necessity. 2. The 'unwilling or unable' doctrine suggests that a state may use force in another state's territory against non-state actors if the host state is unwilling or unable to suppress the threat itself. 3. The principle of 'proportionality' dictates that any use of force in self-defense must be commensurate with the threat and not exceed what is necessary to repel the attack. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. Article 51 of the UN Charter allows for the 'inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs' until the Security Council has taken measures. It does not generally require prior authorization for immediate self-defense, though actions must be reported to the UNSC. The requirement for UNSC authorization typically applies to broader uses of force not strictly in self-defense. Statement 2 is correct. The 'unwilling or unable' doctrine is a controversial but increasingly invoked justification by some states (including the US) for cross-border strikes against non-state actors when the host state cannot or will not act. Statement 3 is correct. Proportionality is a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law and the law on the use of force (jus ad bellum and jus in bello), ensuring that the response is not excessive.