Operation Hawkeye Strike

The United States has launched “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” a coordinated series of precision airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) positions in Syria. The military action follows the killing of three American nationals in a December attack in the Syrian desert and marks a sharp escalation in Washington’s counter-terrorism response aimed at deterring future attacks on US personnel.

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Triggering Incident and Casualties

The operation was triggered by a December 13 ISIS attack in eastern Syria that killed two members of the Iowa National Guard and a US civilian interpreter. The victims were deployed as part of the US-led coalition supporting local partner forces in counter-terrorism operations.

US intelligence assessments attributed the assault to ISIS sleeper cells operating in sparsely populated desert regions. These areas continue to provide cover. This happens despite years of sustained military pressure against the group.

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US Political and Military Response

President Donald Trump described the strikes as a “very serious retaliation” and warned militant organisations against targeting Americans. He stated that the operation fulfilled a clear commitment to respond decisively to attacks on US citizens.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth characterised the action as a “declaration of vengeance.” He clarified that the strikes were not the start of a broader war. Instead, they were a focused punitive response intended to restore deterrence. The White House reiterated that protecting US forces and civilians abroad remains a non-negotiable priority.

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Operational Details and Military Coordination

Operation Hawkeye Strike involved advanced US air platforms, including:

• ✈️ F-15 Eagle fighter jets
• ✈️ A-10 Thunderbolt II close-air-support aircraft
• ✈️ AH-64 Apache attack helicopters

US officials confirmed that multiple ISIS strongholds were hit in precision strikes aimed at degrading the group’s leadership, logistics networks, and operational infrastructure. The US administration stated that Syrian government forces were informed of the operation and expressed support, indicating increased tactical coordination in recent months.

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Strategic Significance

The operation highlights the continued threat posed by ISIS remnants, particularly in ungoverned desert spaces. It also signals Washington’s readiness to use limited but decisive force to maintain deterrence without expanding into large-scale conflict. For the region, the strikes underscore evolving US-Syrian coordination amid a complex security environment in West Asia.

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Exam-Oriented Facts

• Operation Hawkeye Strike targets ISIS positions in Syria
• Triggered by the December 13 attack killing three Americans
• Assets used: F-15, A-10, and AH-64 Apache
• Objective: Deterrence and degradation of ISIS leadership
• Syria was informed prior to the strikes

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UPSC Mains – Model Answers

GS Paper II – International Relations

Q. Examine the significance of Operation Hawkeye Strike in the context of US counter-terrorism strategy in West Asia.

Answer:
Operation Hawkeye Strike reflects the US doctrine of deterrence through limited retaliation, balancing force projection without escalation. It underscores Washington’s continued commitment to counter-terrorism despite reduced troop presence and highlights cooperation with regional actors. The operation also reveals persistent instability in post-conflict Syria and the resilience of non-state actors like ISIS in ungoverned spaces.

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GS Paper III – Internal Security

Q. What does the resurgence of ISIS attacks indicate about modern counter-terrorism challenges?

Answer:
The resurgence highlights challenges posed by decentralised terror networks, difficult terrain, and ideological persistence. It underscores the need for intelligence-led operations, international coordination, and addressing root causes such as governance vacuums and radicalisation.

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⚡ 60-Second Current Affairs Revision