This article reports on U.S. strikes in Syria labeled a “declaration of vengeance” after an ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, includes President Trump’s exact statement on Truth Social, and cites a Pentagon-style statement and strong remarks from national security figures about pursuing those who attack Americans.
President Trump commented directly on the strikes against ISIS in Syria, posting a message on Truth Social that lays out the rationale and the administration’s posture. His post stresses retaliation for the recent killings and warns that any attack on Americans will be met with far-reaching force. The president’s exact words are preserved below for clarity.
Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria, whose beautiful souls I welcomed home to American soil earlier this week in a very dignified ceremony, I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible. We are striking very strongly against ISIS strongholds in Syria, a place soaked in blood which has many problems, but one that has a bright future if ISIS can be eradicated. The Government of Syria, led by a man who is working very hard to bring Greatness back to Syria, and is fully in support. All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE IF YOU, IN ANY WAY, ATTACK OR THREATEN THE U.S.A.
DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The strikes came after an attack on December 13 that killed two service members and a civilian interpreter during a mission in Syria. Officials described the incident as an ambush, which set off a chain of responses that culminated in a named operation against ISIS positions. U.S. forces moved quickly to strike fighters, weapons caches, and infrastructure tied to the group responsible for the violence.
Senior officials framed the response as focused and punitive rather than the start of a larger war, with language intended to deter future attacks on Americans. That distinction matters to the public and to allies who watch for whether escalation could widen. The administration emphasized targeted operations aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities while avoiding a broad campaign of occupation.
Additionally, military and policy voices involved in the response used vivid language to signal determination. One public statement described a relentless campaign against anyone who harms U.S. personnel, promising to hunt and eliminate those threats wherever they surface. These comments were meant to underline that the United States will protect its forces and pursue justice aggressively.
[He] responded to the tragic news on his X account, vowing to bring to justice anyone who harms Americans “anywhere in the world”:
The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces.
Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.
Officials named the operation OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE and issued a concise statement describing its objectives and context. The announcement made clear the action was a direct response to the December 13 attack in Palmyra and emphasized dismantling enemy fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites. That clarity was meant to reassure both troops and the public that the response was measured and mission-focused.
One statement repeated a harsh refrain to underscore the punitive intent and the administration’s posture on self-defense. It said that the strikes represented “a declaration of vengeance,” and that under presidential leadership the United States would defend its people without hesitation. That rhetoric signals an uncompromising approach toward groups that attack U.S. forces.
Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria.
This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.
As we said directly following the savage attack, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.
Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.
At this stage, definitive attribution for the ambush had not been publicly claimed, though Pentagon analysis and intelligence assessments pointed to ISIS as the likely perpetrator. Officials continue to gather evidence and work with partner forces on the ground to clarify responsibility and prevent follow-on attacks. Local dynamics in the region remain complex, with multiple armed groups operating and shifting allegiances complicating a rapid, public attribution.
U.S. forces performed a dignified transfer for the fallen in recent days, and leaders publicly acknowledged the loss while pledging to act. The transfers and public remarks reinforced the human cost behind policy choices and military responses. Families and fellow service members were central to the national conversation as officials explained the calculus behind the strikes.
More details about targets, damage assessments, and operational outcomes are expected as military briefings and intelligence updates are released. The situation remains fluid, with officials indicating further actions may follow based on intelligence and on-the-ground developments. Coverage and official statements will evolve as investigators and commanders provide more information.
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