Operation Hawkeye: America responds militarily to the Palmyra attack in Syria
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that US forces had launched a large-scale military operation called “Operation Hawkeye” in Syria, in a direct and decisive response to the attack in Palmyra that killed three Americans.
Details of Operation “Eye of the Falcon”
In an official statement via the “X” platform, Hegseth explained that the operation primarily aims to eliminate ISIS fighters, as well as destroy the group’s infrastructure and strategic weapons storage sites. The Secretary emphasized that this action is a “direct response” to the attack targeting US forces on December 13, stressing that the United States will not compromise on protecting its soldiers and citizens abroad.
Background to the Palmyra attack and human losses
These rapid developments come just days after a tragic attack in the Syrian city of Palmyra, where official reports, including statements from the Syrian Interior Ministry, indicated that the attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter, as well as wounding three other military personnel. Initial investigations suggest that the attacker was a member of the Syrian security forces suspected of sympathizing with the extremist ideology of ISIS, raising questions about sleeper cells and infiltration of the security apparatus.
The general context of the American presence in Syria
To understand the dimensions of this event, it is necessary to consider the broader context of the US military presence in Syria. The United States maintains approximately 900 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition to defeat ISIS. The primary mission of these forces is to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and prevent the group from regaining control of territory. Despite ISIS's territorial defeat in 2019, the group continues to pose a security threat through its sleeper cells operating in the Syrian desert and other areas, making US forces a persistent target for these groups.
The importance of the response and its expected impact
Operation “Eye of the Hawk” carries significant strategic implications that extend beyond mere military retaliation. It represents a strong deterrent message from Washington to all parties in the region that targeting US forces is a red line that warrants a disproportionate response. Regionally, this escalation could further inflame tensions in the already complex Syrian landscape, especially given the overlapping spheres of influence among US, Russian, and Syrian forces. The United States is expected to intensify its intelligence and air operations in the coming weeks to ensure the crippling of ISIS capabilities and prevent the recurrence of such deadly attacks.
