The U.S. Central Command revealed on Wednesday that it had conducted five operations targeting “multiple” Islamic State positions recently. These actions are part of a collaborative military strategy aimed at ensuring the lasting defeat of the extremist group.
According to CENTCOM, between January 27 and February 2, their forces successfully identified and obliterated an ISIS communication hub, a crucial logistics point, and weapons storage sites. This was achieved using 50 precision-guided munitions delivered by a combination of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
“These strikes underscore our ongoing dedication and determination to prevent ISIS from re-emerging in Syria,” stated Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of CENTCOM, in a formal declaration.
“By working in tandem with coalition and partner forces, we are contributing to a safer America, region, and world by ensuring ISIS’s lasting defeat,” he added.
U.S. airmen are seen preparing to load GBU-31 munition systems onto F-15E Strike Eagles within the U.S. Central Command operational zone on December 19, 2025, as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Reuters)
The Operation Hawkeye Strike mission was initiated by CENTCOM following an ISIS “ambush” on December 13, 2025, which targeted U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria. This attack tragically resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.
“After nearly two months of targeted operations, more than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured. CENTCOM forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim during a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16. The terrorist leader was directly connected with the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 attack,” the military agency said.
A U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System loads onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 19, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Handout via Reuters)
Cooper said in December at the launch of Operation Hawkeye Strike that the effort is “critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland.”
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region,” he added.
U.S. forces patrol in Syria’s northeastern city Qamishli in the Hasakeh province Jan. 9, 2025. (Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images)
In December, before Operation Hawkeye Strike, CENTCOM said U.S. and partner forces in Syria “conducted more than 80 operations over the last six months to eliminate terrorists posing a direct threat to the United States and regional security.”
