Iraq denies link between its Syria airborne, US CENTCOM ‘Hawkeye Strike’ anti-ISIS operation

DAMASCUS/ISTANBUL

Iraq denied any link between the airborne operation carried out by its forces through the “Falcon Cell” deep inside Syrian territory and the “Hawkeye Strike” operation launched by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) early Saturday.

The denial came from Iraq’s Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, First Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, in remarks reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

Al-Muhammadawi confirmed that the recent airborne operation was carried out based on precise intelligence provided by the Falcon Cell and resulted in the arrest of important targets about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) inside Syrian territory.

He stressed that the operation “has nothing to do with the US strike, and its geographical location is different and far from the areas targeted by the American airstrikes.”

On Thursday, Iraq’s Security Media Cell announced the arrest of two high-value targets wanted by the Iraqi judiciary during an operation carried out by the Falcon Cell inside Syrian territory, in coordination with the Syrian side and with support from the international coalition.

At the same time, al-Muhammadawi noted that the Syrian arena is “highly influential in Iraq’s security, economic, political, and even social situation,” which necessitated building an Iraqi vision based on coordination and cooperation according to the highest security standards.

He concluded by noting the presence of “ongoing field coordination at the level of commanders along the international border,” including information exchange, extradition of wanted persons, and prevention of infiltration attempts.

He stressed respect for state sovereignty and the aspirations of the Syrian people, affirming that Iraq’s security work is based on preventing any opportunity for remnants of terrorist organizations to move, regroup, or establish hideouts.

The US launched an operation in Syria in retaliation for a deadly Dec. 13 attack on American forces in Palmyra, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday.

“Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites,” Hegseth wrote on US social media company X.

The deadly attack earlier this month by members of the ISIS (Daesh) terror group in central Syria claimed the lives of two US soldiers and a civilian.