Swift and unrelenting, the U.S. military has ramped up its campaign against ISIS with a series of precise strikes in Syria.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Tuesday that American and partner forces have killed at least seven ISIS members and captured nearly 18 others in 11 missions between Dec. 20 and Dec. 29, as reported by Fox News. These actions follow a major operation on Dec. 19 that obliterated over 70 targets across central Syria.
That initial strike, dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, saw U.S. and Jordanian forces deploy over 100 precision munitions. Fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery wiped out ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites in a coordinated assault.
Operation Hawkeye Strike Delivers Major Blow
The scale of destruction in that opening salvo was staggering. Alongside the targeted infrastructure, four ISIS weapons caches were eliminated in the subsequent missions through Dec. 29.
CENTCOM's broader efforts in Syria over the past year paint a picture of sustained pressure. More than 300 terrorists have been detained, with over 20 killed in various operations.
These numbers reflect a clear intent to dismantle the terror network piece by piece. Yet, the threat lingers as CENTCOM notes at least 11 ISIS-inspired plots or attacks targeting the U.S. this year alone.
ISIS Threat Persists Despite Heavy Losses
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander, underscored the resolve driving these operations. "We will not relent," he declared, emphasizing a commitment to regional security alongside partner forces.
Cooper's words carry weight, especially when paired with his focus on prevention. "Continuing to hunt down terrorist operatives, eliminate ISIS networks, and work with partners to prevent an ISIS resurgence makes America, the region, and the world safer," he stated.
That mission feels urgent after the tragic loss of two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers and a civilian interpreter earlier this month in Syria. Identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, alongside interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat, 54, their deaths highlight the stakes.
Tragic Losses Fuel Resolve for Action
These sacrifices cut deep, reminding us why rooting out ISIS matters. Every operation, every strike, is a step toward ensuring such losses aren't in vain.
While some voices in Washington might push for de-escalation or question overseas engagement, the reality on the ground demands focus. ISIS isn't a distant memory; it's a present danger that thrives on hesitation.
Progressive policies often prioritize diplomacy over decisive action, but terror groups don't negotiate in good faith. The U.S. must keep its foot on the gas, working with allies to crush this threat before it regroups.
Strategic Pressure Must Continue Unabated
CENTCOM's recent missions signal a refusal to let ISIS breathe. Partnering with regional forces, the U.S. is sending a message that hiding won't save these operatives.
Still, the fight requires more than military might; it demands clarity of purpose. Letting up now would invite chaos, undermining every hard-won gain in Syria.
The path forward is straightforward: keep striking, keep capturing, and keep disrupting. Anything less hands ISIS the space to plot, recruit, and strike again at American lives.
