US Defense Secretary Pete Higgseth announced on Friday that US forces had launched a large-scale military operation, codenamed "Operation Hawkeye," inside Syrian territory. This operation comes as a direct and decisive response to the attack in Palmyra that killed three American citizens, marking a new escalation in the fight against the remnants of the ISIS terrorist organization.
Details of Operation “Eye of the Falcon”
In an official statement on the “X” platform, Hegseth explained that the new military operation is specifically aimed at eliminating ISIS fighters, destroying their infrastructure, and targeting weapons depots they rely on to launch attacks. The Secretary emphasized that these actions are an immediate response to the attack on US forces on December 13, and stressed the United States' commitment to protecting its troops and citizens in the region.
Background of the Palmyra attack
The Syrian Interior Ministry had previously revealed details of the attack in Palmyra, stating that it resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian translator, in addition to injuries to three other military personnel. A notable aspect of the initial investigations is the indication that the perpetrator was a member of the Syrian security forces suspected of sympathizing with the extremist ideology of ISIS, adding a further layer of complexity to the security situation on the ground.
Historical context and the American presence in Syria
To understand the dimensions of this event, one must consider the broader context of the American presence in Syria. Since 2014, the United States has led an international coalition to combat ISIS, and in cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces, succeeded in eliminating the group's territorial control in March 2019 after the Battle of Baghouz. Despite this military victory, Washington maintained a military force of approximately 900 troops, mostly stationed in eastern Syria (Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor) and at the al-Tanf base in the south, with the aim of preventing the group's resurgence and protecting oil fields.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
This development is particularly significant given the nature and location of the attack. Palmyra and its surrounding desert region are areas where ISIS sleeper cells are active, taking advantage of the rugged terrain. The targeting of US forces and the resulting casualties represent a serious escalation that could prompt Washington to reassess its security measures and rules of engagement in the region.
Furthermore, the new US military operation, "Eye of the Hawk," carries a strong deterrent message not only to the organization but to all actors involved in the Syrian conflict: targeting US forces is a red line that warrants an immediate military response. This operation is expected to increase the pace of intelligence operations and airstrikes deep inside Syria in the coming period to ensure that such security breaches are not repeated.
