The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the attacks took place within 10 days, from February 3 to 12. 2. The target was the infrastructure system and weapons depots of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in order to maintain continuous military pressure on terrorist remnants. Surveillance groups recorded many bombardments that occurred in the desert area of Homs province, eastern Syria.
This operation mobilized a variety of equipment from drones, helicopters to fighter jets. This is part of the "Hawkeye Strike" operation - a retaliation mission launched after two US soldiers were killed in Palmyra on December 13, 2025. According to CENTCOM, the US has killed or captured more than 50 IS gunmen in just the past 2 months.
Notably, the airstrike took place simultaneously with the US handover of important outposts to the Syrian army. On February 11, 2026, CENTCOM confirmed that it had completed the withdrawal of troops from Al-Tanf base in southeastern Syria. The Syrian side also confirmed that it had taken over this base after close coordination with US forces.
In addition to Al-Tanf, many sources say that the US military is also preparing to leave Al-Shaddadi base in Hasakah province. Military transport aircraft have been seen continuously moving equipment out of this area throughout February 2026 to move to other bases in Iraq or neighboring areas.
In parallel with military operations, the US and its partners have completed the transfer of more than 5,700 IS prisoners from Syria to Iraq. The transfer process started on January 21st and ended on February 12th under the strict protection of the coalition air force. The transfer of prisoners is expected to help prevent the risk of IS resurgence in Syrian territory.
Since the collapse of the old administration at the end of 2024, the US has expanded its operations in Syria and closely coordinated with the interim government of Prime Minister Ahmed al-Sharaa. These drastic troop withdrawals and airstrikes show a major change in the US presence strategy in this Middle Eastern country.
