US Launches Retaliatory Strikes in Syria Targeting ISIS After Soldier Deaths

Operation Hawkeye Launched in Syria

• 🎯 The U.S. has launched retaliatory air strikes in Syria, targeting members of ISIS.
• ⚡ These strikes, commencing Operation Hawkeye, are a direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian American interpreter last weekend.
• 💬 Secretary of War Pete Hegsath stated, "This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance."

Context of the Attacks

• 🇺🇸 The operation is named Hawkeye in honor of the soldiers who died, who were from Iowa, the Hawkeye State.
• 🗓️ President Trump was present when the bodies of these soldiers were returned to the U.S. on Wednesday.
• ⚠️ These were the first American casualties in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad last year, occurring while they were supporting counterterrorism operations.
• 👤 The soldiers came under fire from a lone gunman.

Ongoing Developments

• 🔍 The U.S. is striking suspected ISIS targets in central Syria, including multiple locations, infrastructure, and weapons sites.
• 📰 Eyewitness News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available regarding Operation Hawkeye.