U.S. and Allies Strike ISIS Targets in Syria
U.S. and allies launch large-scale strikes against ISIS in Syria.
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy
U.S. and allied forces conducted "large-scale" strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria on Saturday, in response to an attack last month that killed three Americans. U.S.
Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that multiple strikes targeted ISIS throughout Syria. Jordan's air force also participated in the operation, striking targets within Syria. The strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched in response to the IS attack in Palmyra on December 13, which killed two U.S.
soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter. The U.S.
and Jordan had previously conducted strikes last month, hitting over 70 targets.
Key Facts
U.S. and allies strike ISIS in Syria
Strikes in response to Palmyra attack
Operation Hawkeye Strike
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: International Relations - Impact of terrorism on regional and global security
GS Paper 3: Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on counter-terrorism strategies
Visual Insights
U.S. and Allied Strikes Against ISIS in Syria (January 2026)
Map showing the locations of ISIS targets struck by U.S. and allied forces in Syria in January 2026, as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. Also highlights countries involved in the operation.
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More Information
Background
The Islamic State (IS), also known as ISIS or Daesh, emerged from the remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. AQI, initially led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, aimed to establish an Islamic caliphate. After Zarqawi's death in 2006, the group reorganized and expanded, exploiting sectarian tensions and the power vacuum created by the Syrian civil war.
In 2014, ISIS, under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared a caliphate across parts of Iraq and Syria, attracting foreign fighters and carrying out brutal attacks. The group's territorial control peaked in 2015 before a multinational coalition, including the U.S. and its allies, launched a military campaign to dismantle the caliphate.
Although ISIS lost its territorial holdings by 2019, it continues to operate as a decentralized network, carrying out attacks and inspiring affiliates worldwide.
Latest Developments
Despite the loss of its territorial caliphate, ISIS remains a persistent threat. In recent years, the group has adapted its tactics, focusing on smaller-scale attacks, insurgency, and online propaganda to recruit new members and inspire violence. The U.S.
and its allies continue to conduct counterterrorism operations in Syria and Iraq, working with local partners to degrade ISIS capabilities. The future outlook involves addressing the root causes of extremism, such as poverty, political grievances, and sectarian tensions, to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and other terrorist groups. The withdrawal of U.S.
forces from certain areas has raised concerns about a potential resurgence, necessitating continued vigilance and international cooperation.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Islamic State (IS): 1. IS emerged directly from al-Qaeda's central leadership without any prior regional affiliations. 2. The declaration of a caliphate by IS in 2014 was primarily focused on establishing a political system adhering to international law. 3. The loss of its territorial holdings has completely eradicated IS's ability to conduct or inspire attacks globally. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT 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
All three statements are incorrect. IS emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq, not directly from the central leadership. The caliphate declaration aimed to establish a radical Islamic state, not one adhering to international law. Despite losing territory, IS continues to conduct and inspire attacks.
2. With reference to Operation Hawkeye Strike, recently in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a joint military operation between the U.S. and Turkey against Kurdish forces in Northern Syria. 2. The operation was launched in response to an attack by ISIS in Palmyra that resulted in American casualties. 3. The primary objective of the operation is to establish a no-fly zone over Syrian territory. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Only statement 2 is correct. Operation Hawkeye Strike is a joint operation between the U.S. and Jordan against ISIS, not Turkey and Kurdish forces. The objective is to degrade ISIS capabilities, not to establish a no-fly zone.
3. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh (ISIS)?
- A.United States
- B.United Kingdom
- C.Russia
- D.Jordan
Show Answer
Answer: C
Russia is not a member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh. While Russia has conducted military operations in Syria, its objectives and approach differ from the coalition's.