The United States has intensified its military campaign against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, executing a series of airstrikes that targeted over 30 locations associated with the militant group. This escalation comes as the US acknowledges a new phase in its coalition efforts, with Syria’s government now playing a crucial role as a partner in the fight against extremism.
Operation Hawkeye Strike: A Renewed Assault
Between 3 and 12 February, US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the execution of ten airstrikes, aimed primarily at dismantling IS infrastructure and weapon storage facilities. This operation, dubbed Hawkeye Strike, is a direct response to a deadly ambush in Palmyra that claimed the lives of two US soldiers and an interpreter while injuring three Syrian forces. The brutal attack underscored the persistent threat posed by IS, which has been attempting to regain a foothold in the region since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Centcom reported that the broader campaign has resulted in the neutralisation of numerous IS fighters, with over 100 targets struck since operations began. The US has bolstered its efforts in Syria since the group began exploiting the security vacuum left by the government’s retreat.
Renewed Coalition Dynamics
In a notable turn, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly commended the Syrian government for its renewed commitment to the anti-IS coalition. After officially joining the coalition in November, Damascus has shifted from being a contentious player to a vital ally for Washington in combating IS. Analysts have pointed out that this partnership raises complex questions about the future of US-Syrian relations, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the presence of various factions within Syria.
The strategic pivot towards cooperation with Syria comes amidst a backdrop of increasing US military withdrawals, with the recent evacuation of its base in al-Tanf marking a significant reduction in American troop presence in the region. This withdrawal has been paired with the transfer of approximately 5,700 detainees, suspected of being IS fighters, to Iraq for trial.
Humanitarian Concerns Amid Military Actions
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, particularly for those displaced and imprisoned in camps previously controlled by IS. As Syrian forces have gained control over key IS facilities, including the notorious al-Hawl camp, reports indicate a mass exodus of foreign detainees. Humanitarian organisations have raised alarms regarding the fate of around 6,000 women and children from 42 different countries, who have reportedly vanished from the camp without clear documentation of their relocation.
The rapid changes in control and the shifting dynamics of power underscore the fragile nature of security in Syria. The international community watches closely as the US navigates its role alongside a government long viewed with suspicion.
Why it Matters
The implications of these developments extend far beyond military operations; they signal a potential reshaping of alliances in the Middle East. As the US aligns itself more closely with the Syrian government to combat IS, the long-term ramifications for regional stability, humanitarian conditions, and the fight against extremism remain uncertain. The shifting landscape could redefine not just the conflict in Syria, but the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, raising critical questions about the responsibilities of global actors in addressing both security and humanitarian needs.
