Operation Hawkeye: Over 50 killed as US targets ISIS infrastructure in Syria
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has escalated its military campaign against ISIS targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, a response to a December ambush in Palmyra that killed two US service members and an American interpreter. The operation, launched under former President Donald Trump, involves precision airstrikes targeting over 30 sites linked to ISIS, including weapons storage facilities, communications infrastructure, and logistical hubs. Between February 3 and February 12, the strikes were carried out by a mix of US and Jordanian aircraft, resulting in at least 50 ISIS fighters being killed or captured.
The campaign underscores the US military's commitment to holding ISIS accountable for attacks on American personnel and preventing the group from regrouping. Operation Hawkeye Strike, which began on December 19, 2023, is part of a broader effort to stabilize Syria amid shifting political dynamics. US officials have also transferred more than 5,700 detained ISIS suspects from Syrian facilities to Iraq to reduce the risk of mass jailbreaks and hinder the group's ability to rebuild its ranks.
This military escalation highlights the ongoing challenges in the region as tensions between the US and Iran intensify. The operation is framed as a targeted response rather than the start of a broader conflict, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth calling it a "declaration of vengeance." The strikes demonstrate the US's capability to project power globally and its determination to protect its personnel from attacks anywhere in
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026