The operation was a response to the IS's deadly attack on U.S. forces in Syria on December 13, Centcom stated. The strikes aimed to combat terrorism and protect U.S. and partner forces operating in the region. "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice," Centcom said in its statement.
According to an official who spoke to CBS News, the BBC's U.S. partner, the U.S. and its partner forces launched more than 90 precision munitions at over 35 targets. The operation involved more than 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s.
The specific locations of the strikes and the extent of casualties remain unclear.
Operation Hawkeye Strike highlights the ongoing U.S. military presence in Syria and its commitment to combating ISIS. The U.S. military has maintained a presence in Syria since 2014 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the military intervention against ISIS. The mission's primary goal is to work with allied forces to defeat ISIS and prevent its resurgence.
The strikes come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. military has been targeted by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria in recent months, and the U.S. has responded with retaliatory strikes. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear what the long-term implications of the latest strikes will be. The U.S. military will likely continue to conduct operations against ISIS in Syria as long as the group poses a threat to U.S. interests and allies in the region.
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