US launches major strikes on ISIS bases under ‘Hawke Operation’, sends strong warning to terror groups
Washington : The United States has carried out a major military offensive targeting Islamic State (ISIS) terror bases, escalating its campaign against the extremist group under what has been termed the “Hawke Operation.” The strikes come in retaliation for recent attacks by ISIS militants on American forces, including the killing of personnel from the US National Guard and Coast Guard.
According to official sources, the latest operation was launched late last night and marks the second major US strike on ISIS positions within a short span of days. American military officials said the objective of the operation was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, eliminate operational bases, and send a clear message that attacks on US forces will invite decisive retaliation.
‼️‼️‼️🇺🇲 At this moment, the U.S. Air Force is carrying out massive strikes against ISIS positions in Syria.
See the latest updates with us: @NSTRIKE1231 pic.twitter.com/6OK0a156IP— NSTRIKE (@NSTRIKE1231) January 10, 2026
Reports indicate that several ISIS strongholds were destroyed in the intense assault, which involved coordinated action by the US Air Force and Navy. Fighter jets and naval platforms carried out precision strikes using bombs and missiles, hitting identified terror targets from multiple directions. Videos of the strikes have been released by the US military, showing explosions at suspected ISIS locations. However, Pentagon spokespersons have declined to disclose the exact number of sites hit or their precise locations, citing operational security.
ISIS resurgence since 2024
Security analysts note that ISIS has been attempting to reassert its influence since 2024, particularly after the collapse of the Assad government in Syria. Following the fall of the regime, ISIS militants reportedly moved quickly to exploit the power vacuum, gaining control over several areas and attempting to extend their dominance to strategic regions, including coastal and trade-sensitive zones.
In December, ISIS militants were accused of killing two US Coast Guard personnel and another individual in attacks linked to maritime operations. The terror group has also been involved in assaults on cargo vessels, seizure of goods transported by sea, and hostage-taking incidents, raising alarm over the security of international shipping routes.
These developments prompted Washington to take a more aggressive stance. US officials say the Hawke Operation is part of a broader counter-terror strategy aimed at preventing ISIS from regaining the territorial control it once held at the peak of its power.
Air and naval forces lead the assault
The latest strikes were carried out jointly by the US Air Force and Navy, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the operation. Military sources confirmed that multiple fighter jets conducted repeated bombing runs, while naval assets launched missile attacks on designated targets in Syria.
Although visuals released by the US show extensive damage to infrastructure believed to be linked to ISIS, there has been no official confirmation regarding casualties. The Pentagon has stated that it is still assessing the impact of the strikes and gathering intelligence on possible losses suffered by the terror group.
“Operation Hawke is designed to degrade ISIS’s ability to plan and execute attacks against US interests and allies,” a senior defence official said, adding that the US will not hesitate to conduct further strikes if threats persist.
Earlier strikes and warning of more action
This is not the first time the US has targeted ISIS in recent weeks. On December 19, American forces reportedly destroyed around 70 ISIS bases in an earlier round of strikes. The latest operation is believed to be even more extensive, with reports suggesting that a greater number of terror sites were hit this time.
The US administration has made it clear that the renewed military action is also intended as a warning. Officials said the strikes were carried out to avenge the killing of American personnel on December 13 and to send a strong message that any attack on US forces will have serious consequences.
Washington has further warned that additional operations could follow if ISIS continues its activities. “The fight against terrorism is far from over,” a defence spokesperson said. “The United States will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its people, its forces, and its interests.”
As tensions remain high in the region, global attention is now focused on how ISIS responds to the renewed offensive and whether the US-led actions will significantly weaken the group’s resurgence.
