US army launches retaliatory strikes on dozens of ISIL targets in Syria
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States Army has launched a series of retaliatory strikes against ISIL targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye. These strikes, conducted between February 3 and 12, targeted more than 30 locations, including ISIL's infrastructure and weapons storage facilities. The operation, which utilized "precision munitions," was carried out in response to last year's attack that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter near Palmyra. Over the past two months, Operation Hawkeye has reportedly killed or captured over 50 ISIL fighters and damaged approximately 100 targets.
The U.S. military also completed the transfer of thousands of ISIL detainees from Syria to Iraq, where they will face trial. This move was requested by Baghdad and supported by the U.S.-led coalition that previously fought against ISIL in Syria. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts to sustain military pressure on remaining ISIL remnants, as well as the shifting dynamics in the region.
Meanwhile, Syrian government forces have taken control of the al-Tanf military base, which had been under U.S. influence for years. This development comes as Damascus seeks to expand its territorial control across Syria. The U.S. withdrawal from al-Tanf and its reduced involvement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signals a shift in alliances and priorities.
These actions underscore the complex security landscape in Syria, where both military operations and political developments are shaping the region's future. The strikes and transfers demonstrate the U.S. commitment to countering ISIL while navigating evolving relationships with local governments and forces. This situation remains critical for global security, as it reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and combat terrorism.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026