Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announces the U.S. has conducted military strikes in Syria in response to last weekend's attack that killed two U.S. service members there. In a statement on X, Hegseth writes, "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."
Hegseth continues, "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."
Last weekend's attack in Syria killed two members of the Iowa National Guard, Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, along with a civilian interpreter.
Photo: Getty Images North America