The United States has initiated Operation Hawkeye Strike, a series of coordinated airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) positions in Syria. This operation follows the tragic deaths of three Americans in a December attack and marks a significant intensification of US military actions against the extremist group.
The operation was catalyzed by a December 13 attack attributed to ISIS, resulting in the deaths of two members of the Iowa National Guard and a US civilian interpreter. These individuals were part of a larger American presence working alongside coalition forces in eastern Syria. Following this incident, US officials identified ISIS cells operating in remote desert areas, despite ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in recent years.
President Donald Trump characterized the strikes as a “very serious retaliation,” cautioning militant groups against targeting Americans. He stressed that this action fulfilled a public commitment to respond decisively. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a “declaration of vengeance,” confirming that the strikes were not the start of a new war but a targeted punitive measure. The White House reiterated the importance of protecting US personnel as a non-negotiable priority.
Operation Hawkeye Strike utilized advanced US air assets, including F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. US officials reported that multiple ISIS strongholds were engaged in precision strikes intended to undermine their leadership, logistics, and operational capabilities. Furthermore, the US administration indicated that Syrian government forces were informed and supportive, highlighting increased collaboration with Syrian security elements in recent months.
These strikes demonstrate the US's ongoing commitment to counter-terrorism operations in Syria, even amidst discussions regarding troop presence and regional stability. Officials contend that while ISIS has been territorially defeated, it still possesses the capacity for lethal attacks. Operation Hawkeye Strike aims to disrupt these capabilities while sending a deterrent message to hostile entities operating in the region.
Q1. What prompted Operation Hawkeye Strike?
Answer: Operation Hawkeye Strike was initiated in response to a December attack by ISIS, which killed two members of the Iowa National Guard and a US civilian interpreter.
Q2. Which aircraft were used in the operation?
Answer: The operation involved advanced US air assets, including F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Q3. What is the strategic goal of the airstrikes?
Answer: The airstrikes aim to degrade ISIS's leadership, logistics, and operational capabilities while ensuring the safety of US personnel in the region.
Q4. How does Operation Hawkeye Strike affect US-Syria relations?
Answer: The operation indicates increased coordination between the US and Syrian security forces, reflecting a shift in US strategy regarding regional stability.
Q5. What are the implications for counter-terrorism efforts?
Answer: The strikes signify a sustained US commitment to counter-terrorism, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by ISIS despite its territorial losses.
Question 1: What was the primary objective of Operation Hawkeye Strike?
A) To establish a new military base in Syria
B) To conduct a series of airstrikes against ISIS
C) To negotiate peace with ISIS
D) To withdraw US troops from Syria
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which aircraft is specifically designed for close air support missions?
A) F-15 Eagle
B) AH-64 Apache
C) A-10 Thunderbolt II
D) B-52 Stratofortress
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What incident triggered the US airstrikes in December 2023?
A) An attack on a US military base
B) The deaths of three Americans due to an ISIS attack
C) A diplomatic conflict with Syria
D) A terrorist attack in the US
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which government official characterized the strikes as a "declaration of vengeance"?
A) President Biden
B) Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
C) Secretary of State Antony Blinken
D) National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What year did the Islamic State declare a caliphate?
A) 2010
B) 2012
C) 2014
D) 2016
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: How many members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in the December attack?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: B
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