Updated [12/19/25, 6:17 PM ET]: President Donald Trump has now commented on the operations against ISIS in Syria, writing in a post on his Truth Social account:
The post reads:
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
original story
It's a well-worn phrase at times, "The chickens are coming home to roost," but that appears to be what is currently happening for ISIS terrorists in Syria from U.S, bombs on Friday evening, in the aftermath of the attack that killed two U.S. Army members and a civilian interpreter, as RedState thoroughly covered in recent days.
America's commander in chief, President Trump made remarks after news of the deaths broke on Dec. 13:
Trump started by expressing condolences for those who were killed in what he termed "an ambush":
We mourn the loss of three great patriots in Syria. We know how it happened. It was an ambush — terrible
Then the president then revealed what would happen to those responsible, confirming that the U.S. "will retaliate":
NEW: President Trump vows to retaliate against ISIS after two U.S. soldiers and U.S. interpreter were killed in an ambush in Syria. Three others were also injured.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 13, 2025
“This was an ISIS attack on us and Syria. And again, we mourn the loss and we pray for them and their parents and… pic.twitter.com/IPvZMYko9Y
War Secretary Pete Hegseth did not mince words, either, in RedState's update to the story:
[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.
On Wednesday, the administration properly paid respects to the fallen Americans during a dignified transfer ceremony at Maryland's Dover AFB.
READ MORE: 'Terrible': Trump Speaks About US Troops Killed, Wounded in Syria 'Ambush,' What Comes Next
Watch: Pres. Trump, War Sec Hegseth Honor Americans Slain in Syria at Dignified Transfer Ceremony
Back to Friday. While there are scant details on the mission so far, Sec..Hegseth has now confirmed via a statement on his X account that "vengeance," not "war," is being meted out against the terror group:
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.
Reports maintain that "[n]o group has claimed responsibility for" the ambush attack, but analysis by the Pentagon and U.S. intelligence believe it was the Islamic State.
This is a developing story. We'll provide further details as more information becomes available.
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