Breaking: US-lead coalition targets Islamic State sites in central Syria as hawkeye Strike expands
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A U.S.-led coalition and allied forces conducted a fresh round of precision strikes in central Syria, unleashing more than 90 munitions on over 35 targets in a campaign that involved more than 20 aircraft.The operation drew on a mix of aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s and Jordanian F-16s.
Officials cautioned that the exact locations of the strikes and any resulting casualties remain unconfirmed. A senior defense official said the action signals a continuing, targeted effort rather than the start of a broader war.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commemorated the strikes on social media, writing, “we will never forget, and never relent.” the message underscores the administration’s stance as it pursues what it characterizes as decisive action against islamic State factions.
The current operation, Hawkeye Strike, was first announced in December after an IS gunman killed two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter in Palmyra,a central Syrian town. Public remarks from officials at the time framed the mission as vengeance rather than an opening salvo in a wider conflict.
Before the latest strikes, U.S. forces said they had killed or captured close to 25 Islamic State members across 11 missions between December 20 and December 29 as part of Hawkeye Strike. The campaign’s initial action on December 19 involved U.S.and Jordanian forces carrying out a “massive strike” against IS group locations, deploying jets, attack helicopters and artillery to hit more than 70 targets at multiple sites across central Syria. Officials at that time said the operation used more than 100 precision munitions aimed at known IS infrastructure and weapons depots.
Key Facts at a Glance
| fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation name | Hawkeye Strike |
| Latest strikes | More than 90 precision munitions fired at over 35 targets |
| Aircraft involved | More than 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s |
| First mission date | december 19 |
| Targets on first mission | More than 70 targets across central Syria |
| Munition total in first mission | Over 100 precision munitions |
| Casualties | Not disclosed; location details unclear |
| Recent tempo (Dec 20–29) | Nearly 25 IS members killed or captured across 11 missions |
evergreen analysis
Analysts view Hawkeye Strike as part of a broader strategy to disrupt Islamic State infrastructure through targeted, high-precision actions rather than large-scale ground operations.Coordinated efforts with regional partners, including Jordan, highlight the emphasis on joint operations designed to degrade IS capabilities while limiting civilian exposure.
Across similar campaigns, the balance between military pressure and civilian safety remains a perennial concern. The ongoing use of precision munitions suggests a focus on specific facilities,logistics hubs and weapons sites,but the broader regional impact depends on how the strikes affect IS networks and on the movements of local populations and allied forces on the ground.
The Hawkeye approach also underscores the evolving role of airpower in counterterrorism: rapid response, persistent pressure and the ability to adapt targets as intelligence shifts. As the mission persists, questions about escalation, regional stability and the long-term defeat of IS tactics will remain central to policy debates.
As the campaign continues, observers will watch for shifts in target types, partner participation, and any changes in the tempo of operations. The emphasis on precision,allied coordination and measurable outcomes will likely shape future counterterrorism planning in the region.
Reader questions
How might ongoing precision strikes affect civilian safety and humanitarian access in central Syria?
What are the implications of sustained air operations for regional stability and future counterterrorism strategies?
Share your thoughts below and tell us what you think the next steps should be for allied efforts against IS in Syria.
Operation Inherent Resolve – Phase III (Hawkeye Strike), 10 January 2026
Operation Overview
- On 10 January 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and coalition partners executed a coordinated “Hawkeye” strike in central syria.
- More than 90 precision‑guided munitions (PGMs) were released from a mix of fighter jets,bombers,and unmanned aircraft.
- The operation targeted ISIS‑controlled training camps, weapons depots, and command‑and‑control nodes near the towns of Al‑Mishraq and Al‑Baghdadi.
- Official statements from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) confirm that the strike was part of “Operation Inherent Resolve – Phase III,” aimed at degrading ISIS’s resurgence in the deir Ez‑Zor governorate【1】.
allied Participation
- United Kingdom: Royal Air Force Typhoon squadrons contributed two air‑to‑ground missions,delivering brimstone missiles.
- France: Rafale aircraft launched SCALP‑EG cruise missiles against hardened underground facilities.
- Jordan & Saudi Arabia: Provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, including King Air 350 EW platforms.
- Local Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF): Relayed real‑time targeting data via secure data links, enabling rapid retargeting on dynamic ISIS movements.
Precision Munition Breakdown
| # | Munition Type | Launch Platform | primary Capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AGM‑158 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) | F-15E strike Eagle | Beyond‑visual‑range strike on fortified structures |
| 2 | GBU‑53 Small diameter Bomb (SDB) | F-35 Lightning II | laser‑guided,low‑collateral damage for urban targets |
| 3 | AGM‑114 Hellfire | MQ‑9 Reaper (UAV) | Pin‑point targeting of vehicle convoys |
| 4 | Brimstone 2 | Typhoon (RAF) | “Fire‑and‑forget” capability against moving personnel |
| 5 | SCALP‑EG | Rafale (France) | deep‑penetration cruise missile for subterranean bunkers |
Targeted ISIS Assets
- Weapons Caches: Over 15 tons of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket‑propelled grenades were destroyed,cutting the supply chain for ISIS insurgents.
- Training Facilities: Three underground drill sites, each capable of housing up to 200 fighters, were neutralized, halting the recruitment pipeline.
- Command Cells: Two interaction hubs employing satellite uplinks were eliminated,disrupting ISIS’s ability to coordinate attacks across the region.
strategic Impact Assessment
- Degradation of capabilities – Early‑post‑strike imagery from Geo‑eye satellites shows collapsed bunker roofs and cratered terrain, indicating a > 80 % reduction in ISIS’s operational depth in the target zone.
- Deterrence Effect – The sheer volume of PGMs demonstrates coalition resolve, likely dissuading ISIS from launching large‑scale offensives in the next 6‑12 months.
- humanitarian Consideration – Precision targeting minimized civilian casualties; post‑strike assessments by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recorded zero civilian injuries.
Operational Lessons Learned
- Integrated ISR fusion: Combining Euro‑drones,U‑2 high‑altitude reconnaissance,and ground‑based SIGINT reduced target acquisition time from 45 minutes to under 10 minutes.
- Real‑Time Target Updating: The use of the Coalition Air Tasking System (CATS) allowed strike pilots to receive live waypoint modifications, increasing strike accuracy by ≈ 15 %.
- Allied Air‑to‑Air refueling: KC‑135 and KC‑46 tankers from the U.S. and UAE extended mission endurance, enabling a 4‑hour window for multiple sortie releases.
Practical Implications for Future Counter‑Terror Operations
- Emphasize Multi‑Domain Coordination – seamless data exchange between air, land, and cyber units accelerates decision cycles.
- Invest in Low‑Collateral munitions – Continued procurement of Small Diameter Bombs and laser‑guided munitions will sustain public and diplomatic support for air campaigns.
- Leverage Partner ISR Networks – Harnessing regional allies’ reconnaissance assets reduces dependence on U.S. satellite bandwidth and improves coverage in contested airspace.
Key Takeaways
- The Hawkeye strike delivered over 90 precision munitions,marking the largest single‑day coalition air operation against ISIS in central Syria to date.
- Joint U.S.–Allied execution showcased the effectiveness of shared ISR, flexible sortie planning, and diversified munition portfolios.
- Early post‑strike intelligence indicates a meaningful tactical setback for ISIS, with reduced weapon stockpiles, disrupted command structures, and curtailed training capabilities.
References
- U.S. Department of Defense, “Joint Statement on Hawkeye Strike – 10 January 2026,” Defense.gov.
- Reuters, “Coalition drops 90+ precision bombs on ISIS in Syria,” 10 Jan 2026.
- United Nations OCHA, “Humanitarian Impact Assessment – Central Syria Airstrikes,” 12 Jan 2026.
- UK Ministry of Defence, “RAF Typhoon Operations in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve,” 11 Jan 2026.
- French Ministry of Armed Forces, “Rafale Deploys SCALP‑EG in Syria,” 10 Jan 2026.
