President Trump Orders Overnight Strikes After Deadly Attack Kills Two U.S. Soldiers And American Civilian Interpreter
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9:15 A.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, DC.- President Donald Trump ordered a series of large-scale retaliatory U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets across Syria late Friday night, December 19, 2025, responding forcefully to last week’s deadly attack on American personnel that killed two U.S. service members and a U.S. civilian interpreter.
The operation, conducted under the direction of U.S. Central Command and authorized personally by the President, targeted known ISIS command centers, weapons depots, staging areas, and transit routes in central and eastern Syria. Senior defense officials described the strikes as precise, overwhelming, and intentionally limited to terrorist infrastructure, with no indication of a broader ground escalation.
According To Pentagon Officials
According to Pentagon officials, the strikes were launched shortly before midnight local time and involved U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and precision-guided munitions. Coalition partners in the region were notified in advance, and no U.S. casualties were reported during the operation.
The military action came in direct retaliation for a December 13 attack near Palmyra, in which ISIS-linked terrorists ambushed U.S. personnel operating in support roles in the region. Two U.S. Army National Guard soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed in that attack, while several other American service members were wounded. U.S. intelligence later confirmed the assailants were affiliated with ISIS remnants operating in the area.
Speaking Friday night, President Trump framed the strikes as decisive justice for fallen Americans.
“I ordered a massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week,” the President said. “It was very successful. Every target was hit, and hit hard. This is peace through strength, and America will always defend its people.”
Earlier in the day, the President had warned publicly that retaliation was imminent, stating that those responsible would face “very serious consequences.” Administration officials confirmed that the overnight strikes fulfilled that promise.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth underscored the administration’s posture in a forceful statement following the operation.
“This is not the beginning of a war; it is a declaration of vengeance,” Hegseth said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will never hesitate to defend our people. Tonight, we hunted and eliminated those responsible. And we will continue to do so.”
Secretary Of War, Hegseth Said, “Strikes Focused On ISIS’s Operations
Hegseth emphasized that the operation was narrowly focused on ISIS elements and did not represent a shift toward prolonged military engagement. Pentagon officials echoed that assessment, noting that the mission was designed to degrade ISIS’s remaining operational capabilities while minimizing civilian risk.
The White House confirmed that U.S. forces coordinated closely with regional allies and local partners. Syrian authorities, now aligned with U.S. counter-terrorism efforts following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024, acknowledged the strikes and reiterated their support for eliminating extremist strongholds within Syrian territory.
While ISIS lost its self-declared caliphate in 2019, U.S. intelligence assessments continue to warn that remnants of the organization remain active, particularly in remote desert regions. The United States currently maintains approximately 1,000 troops in Syria focused on counter-terrorism, intelligence, and regional stability missions.
Reaction from Washington was swift. Republican lawmakers praised the President’s response as necessary and overdue, calling the attack on American personnel “an act of terrorism that demanded immediate consequences.” Democratic leaders offered cautious support, stressing the importance of protecting U.S. troops while urging restraint to avoid wider regional escalation.
International partners, including Jordan, condemned the attack on U.S. forces and reaffirmed their commitment to the global fight against terrorism. Analysts noted that while the strikes send a strong deterrent message, they may also heighten tensions in an already volatile region.
Pentagon officials stated that further action remains possible depending on developments in intelligence. The administration made clear that any future threats to U.S. personnel will be met with decisive force.
Editor’s Note:
This report has been reviewed and verified by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, and Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, Englebrook Independent News. All facts and statements are based on official U.S. government briefings, verified reporting, and confirmed public statements available at the time of publication.
