U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), in coordination with coalition and partner forces, conducted five precision strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, reinforcing continued efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist organization and prevent its resurgence in the region.
During the operations, CENTCOM forces successfully located and destroyed an ISIS communication site, a critical logistics node, and multiple weapons storage facilities. A total of 50 precision-guided munitions were employed by fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing platforms, and unmanned aerial systems, demonstrating the joint force’s flexibility, reach, and lethal capability.
“Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria,” said U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command. “Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region, and the world safer.”
These actions are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched in response to a Dec. 13 ISIS attack in Palmyra targeting U.S. and Syrian forces. That ambush resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by ISIS remnants operating within Syria.
Since the initiation of Operation Hawkeye Strike, U.S. and partner forces have conducted nearly two months of targeted operations, resulting in more than 50 ISIS terrorists killed or captured. These sustained efforts have disrupted the group’s command-and-control capabilities, degraded its logistical networks, and reduced its ability to plan and execute attacks.
As part of these operations, CENTCOM forces conducted a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a senior ISIS leader. Al-Jasim was directly connected to the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 Palmyra attack and played a key role in the group’s operational planning.
U.S. Central Command remains committed to working alongside regional partners and coalition forces to apply sustained military pressure against ISIS elements, deny the group safe haven, and protect U.S., partner, and civilian lives.
