US bombs ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for Palmyra insider attack
Al-Monitor3 hrs
US Launches Operation Hawkeye Strike Against ISIS in Syria
Did Operation Hawkeye Strike deliver ruthless vengeance against ISIS, or just hit empty caves as a political distraction?
Above: U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on June 12, 2025. Image credit: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Operation Hawkeye Strike delivered ruthless vengeance against ISIS fighters and infrastructure following the December 13 attack on American forces in Palmyra. The strikes eliminated numerous terrorists and demonstrated that targeting Americans anywhere guarantees a lethal response.
Anti-Trump narrative
These airstrikes hit nothing but sand and empty caves since ISIS operates from civilian areas with no targetable bases. Trump launched this operation to distract from the Epstein Files and cover up a fatal vetting failure by funded allies that actually got American troops killed.
Narrative C
The U.S. should withdraw troops from Syria, as continued military strikes in Syria risk perpetuating instability, inflaming local tensions and drawing the U.S. further into Middle Eastern wars. While defeating ISIS remains vital, boots on the ground only endanger Americans and serve as targets. Pursuing diplomatic solutions to combat ISIS effectively would better protect U.S. lives and interests abroad.