US Launches Airstrikes Targeting ISIS In Syria

The United States launched airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria on Friday (December 19), following the deaths of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian interpreter in an attack last week. The operation, dubbed "Operation Hawkeye Storm," targeted over 50 suspected ISIS sites in the ancient city of Palmyra, central Syria. This action follows a promise by President Donald Trump to retaliate against the perpetrators.

The soldiers killed were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown. Both were members of the Iowa National Guard's 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment. The attack, carried out by a lone ISIS gunman, also injured three other Iowa National Guard members. CNN reported that the attack occurred during a "key leader engagement" as part of their counterterrorism mission.

President Trump vowed significant retaliation, stating, "there will be a lot of damage done to the people that did it." The Pentagon confirmed that the airstrikes were part of ongoing counter-ISIS operations in the region.

The remains of the fallen soldiers are expected to return to Iowa by the end of the week. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in their honor, stating, "Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torres-Tovar served our state and nation with honor, and in doing so, gave the ultimate sacrifice."

The Iowa National Guard has been actively involved in Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. mission to defeat ISIS, with around 1,800 soldiers deployed to the Middle East since May 2025.