US Strikes Syria After Attack Kills Two American Soldiers
The United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Friday as a response to an attack that killed two American soldiers. The strikes targeted multiple sites linked to ISIS, designated under the operation name “Operation Hawkeye.” This name references Iowa, the home state of the fallen servicemen.
Details of the Strikes
The airstrikes, involving dozens of locations, aimed at eliminating ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage throughout Syria. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred to the action as a “declaration of vengeance” in a post on X. He emphasized that this was not the start of a war but a necessary response to protect U.S. troops.
Casualties and Context
The retaliation follows an attack on December 13 that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian interpreter. In the aftermath, U.S. forces carried out ten operations that led to the death or capture of about 23 individuals linked to ISIS. Intelligence gathered during these operations informed the target selection for the airstrikes.
- Victims Identified:
- Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, Des Moines, Iowa
- Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, Marshalltown, Iowa
- Location of Attack: Palmyra, Syria
- Units Involved:
- Iowa National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment
- 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division
In addition to the two fatalities, three other Iowa National Guard members sustained injuries and required medical evacuation. Major General Stephen Osborne of the Iowa National Guard expressed his condolences and commitment to support the families affected by this tragic event.
Ongoing U.S. Military Presence in Syria
Approximately 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers are currently deployed in the Middle East as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. This mission underscores the U.S. commitment to combating ISIS, which gained significant territory in Syria and Iraq in the mid-2010s.
The objective of Operation Hawkeye is to deliver a significant setback to the remaining ISIS elements in Syria, which pose a potential threat to U.S. forces in the region. While the Trump administration has signaled strong retaliation efforts against ISIS, questions remain about the connections between the December attack and the assailant’s affiliations.
This situation continues to develop, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
