• US launched Operation Hawkeye Strike targeting ISIS in Syria following the deaths of three Americans.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the operation is "not the beginning of a war" but a "declaration of vengeance."
• Over 70 ISIS targets were struck using advanced military aircraft, including F-15s and Apache helicopters.
• Jordan's air force participated in the strikes, highlighting international cooperation against ISIS.
• Trump issued stern warnings to any terrorists threatening the US in light of the retaliatory actions.

In a bold move, the United States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria to target Islamic State (ISIS) fighters and infrastructure following an attack on December 13 that killed three Americans: two Marines and a civilian interpreter. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that this operation aims to "eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites," asserting that the US will not relent in defending its people. Hegseth characterized the operation as a "declaration of vengeance" rather than a declaration of war, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, according to SCMP and India Times.

The operation was executed using advanced military aircraft, with reports indicating that over 70 ISIS targets across central Syria were struck by US forces, supported by the Jordanian air force. Utilizing F-15 Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolts, and AH-64 Apache helicopters, the US conducted what was described as a large-scale military strike involving over 100 precision munitions, according to Los Angeles Times and CBS News.

President Donald Trump reiterated his strong stance towards any threats against the US, declaring that "YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE" if any terrorist group attempts to attack Americans again. He stated that this operation is a fulfillment of his pledge to retaliate strongly for the killings, following a somber dignified transfer ceremony of the slain Americans, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

Jordan announced its involvement in the strikes, participating alongside US forces to prevent ISIS from using southern Syrian regions as launching pads for further attacks. The Syrian government has expressed its commitment to combating ISIS, highlighting a united front against the militant organization, according to Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.

The military response follows an incident during which the assailant, affiliated with ISIS, ambushed US personnel, indicating the ongoing threat posed by the group in the region. The effects of this retaliatory operation and any future military actions remain to be seen as the US continues its efforts in Syria, targeting remnants of ISIS amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics, according to Los Angeles Times and India Times.