Operation Hawkeye-ISIS Gets Front-Row Seats to Shock and Awe 2.0!

Summary

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The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Operation Hawkeye – ISIS Gets Front-Row Seats to Shock and Awe 2.0!

Date: December 20, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson

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Episode Overview

In this special Saturday edition, Ben Ferguson provides an in-depth breakdown of “Operation Hawkeye,” a decisive U.S. military retaliation against ISIS in Syria, ordered by President Donald Trump in response to the recent deaths of American personnel. Ben analyzes the military, diplomatic, and political implications of the operation, offers exclusive commentary on President Trump’s doctrine of deterrence and vengeance, and highlights reactions from top officials and allies.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background and Trigger Event

• The U.S., under President Trump, launched a retaliatory strike—Operation Hawkeye—after an ambush in Syria killed two American National Guard soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
• The high-profile operation was billed as a direct, “vengeance” response to prevent future attacks on U.S. forces abroad.
• [03:42] Ben Ferguson: “You mess with American service members, we will come find you and we will hunt you down. We have all the details of the attack.”

2. Details of Operation Hawkeye

• Scale and Execution:

  • Strikes hit more than 70 ISIS-related targets across central Syria.
  • Utilized a mix of precision munitions, multiple types of aircraft (F-15s, A-10s, F-16s), helicopters, and artillery.

• Targets:

  • ISIS infrastructure, logistics depots, command and control nodes, and weapons sites.

• Multinational Participation:

  • Jordanian jets supported U.S. forces; Syrian partners cooperated in follow-up raids.

• Fox News Coverage Recap:

  • More than 50 ISIS targets struck in a matter of hours.
  • Named “Hawkeye Strike” (reflecting the victims’ Iowa origins).
  • Resulted in the death or capture of more than two dozen ISIS-affiliated individuals.
  • Intelligence for the operation leveraged electronics and interviews following the initial ambush.
  • Continuing CENTCOM investigation into the shooter, suspected of jihadist ties.
  • [08:20] Fox News Correspondent (Jennifer Griffin):

    “Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth tweeted, ‘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 to and never relent to defend our people.”

3. President Trump’s Response & Deterrence Doctrine

• Vengeance, Not War:
  • The strikes are framed as a declaration of vengeance, rather than an escalation to war.
  • Clear, public warnings to ISIS and other terrorist networks: threats to Americans will be met with overwhelming force.
  • [09:59] Ben Ferguson:

    “Leaders called the effort a declaration of vengeance… President Trump publicly warned ISIS and broader terrorist networks that threats to Americans would be met with strong and sustained retaliation. Reinforcing our resolve.”

• Precision and Minimization of Collateral Damage:
  • Over 100 “precision munitions” deployed targeting logistics and command nodes, specifically avoiding broad assaults to reduce civilian risk.
• Ongoing U.S. & Coalition Coordination:
  • Jordanian participation + Syrian local enforcement support.
  • Cooperation with other Middle Eastern partners, coordinated diplomatically by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

4. Broader U.S. Anti-ISIS Strategy

• Beyond Syria:
  • Recap of recent strikes on ISIS in Somalia—killing dozens of fighters and degrading leadership, as part of a broader, continuous counterterrorism campaign.
• Goal:
  • Prevent resurgence of ISIS, degrade operational capabilities globally, and enforce U.S. protection of soldiers abroad.
  • [11:40] Ben Ferguson:

    “It reinforces the Trump doctrine that U.S. personnel abroad will be defended by whatever means are necessary by the Commander in Chief.”

5. Political Messaging and Public Takeaways

• Presidential Resolve:
  • Assurance that U.S. forces and citizens abroad are fully protected.
• Multinational, Technologically-Advanced Operations:
  • Highlights U.S. military capability, coalition strength, and diplomatic coordination.
• Future Warning:
  • Operation designed as a deterrent to ISIS and all terrorist organizations globally.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Precision Retaliation

  • “Strikes reportedly delivered a significant blow to ISIS remnants’ operational capabilities by hitting logistics, storage depots, command and control points and infrastructure.”
    — Ben Ferguson [04:50]

• Presidential Vengeance

  • “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 to and never relent to defend our people.”
    — Fox News, quoting Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth [08:20]

• Broad U.S. Commitment

  • “The operation, integrated air assets, helicopter gunships, rocket artillery, and support from coalition aircraft... a demonstration of a multinational cooperation, specifically against ISIS terrorists.”
    — Ben Ferguson [10:50]

• Trump Doctrine Restated

  • “When you kill a man or a woman in uniform under Donald Trump’s watch, we’re going to find you, we’re going to hunt you down, and we’re going to kill you.”
    — Ben Ferguson [13:01]

• Deterrence Clarified

  • “At the end of the day, it’s very clear that the President, United States of America, meant what he said when he said, it is going to be a major response and it will be one that they will know not to mess with us again.”
    — Ben Ferguson [13:21]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:30 – Ben Ferguson introduces the main story: Operation Hawkeye retaliation explained
• 08:00 – Fox News live recap and details of the operation
• 09:59 – Ben discusses the strategic impact and broader deterrence message
• 11:40 – U.S. and coalition coordination, extension of operations into Somalia
• 13:01 – Statement of the Trump Doctrine and summary of U.S. message to adversaries
• 13:21 – Final analysis on President Trump’s objective and the operation’s warning effect

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Tone & Style

The episode features Ben Ferguson’s signature direct, passionate, and pro-administration commentary, blending military analysis with assertive political messaging. Ferguson frames the episode as a rallying call for national resolve and military might, emphasizing the themes of deterrence, precision, and unwavering American protection.

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Summary

Ben Ferguson’s “Operation Hawkeye” episode delivers a thorough rundown of the U.S. military’s massive, precisely orchestrated retaliation against ISIS in Syria after American casualties. With both factual updates and fierce pro-Trump commentary, Ferguson argues the operation showcases American military superiority and sends an unmistakable warning: attacks on U.S. forces will be answered rapidly and overwhelmingly. The segment reinforces President Trump’s doctrine of decisive retribution, highlights the importance of coalition diplomacy and advanced technology, and closes with a call for listeners to stay informed and resolute.

Transcript

[iHeart Podcast Host]

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[Ben Ferguson]

You expect to make your announcement about the new Fed chair, sir? Before the end of the year. What do you think? Over the next couple of weeks? I mean, I don't know before the end of the year, but pretty soon. You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Good Saturday morning. It's so nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. And we've got one very big story for for you. The US Under Donald Trump's command launched what is being described as a vengeance attack on ISIS targets after National Guard soldiers were killed. Several suspected terrorist sites were targeted across central Syria, and the President made it clear, you mess with American service members, we will come find you and we will hunt you down. We have all the details of the attack. But first I want to tell you about an amazing opportunity right now that I'm involved in and I cannot wait for you to take advantage of it. I want you to take some incredible courses at Hillsdale College for free. You may not know this, but Hillsdale College has been influencing conservatives like myself for decades. They had a huge impact on Charlie Kirk's life. And even as memorial service, they talked about how Charlie took class after class after class at Hillsdale College. Hillsdale College is now offering for you, the listeners of this show, more than 40 free. I want to say that again. Free online courses. That's right. More than 40 free online courses. You can learn about the works of C.S. lewis, the stories in the Book of Genesis, the meaning of the US Constitution, the rise and fall of the Roman Republic, or the history of the ancient Christian church, or all with Hillsdale College's free online courses Right now I'm personally taking the Constitution 101. In this course you're going to explore the design and the purpose of the Constitution, the challenges it faced during the Civil War and how it has been undermined for more than a century by radical progressives and liberals. This 12 lecture course is self paced. It's another reason why I love it. So start whenever and wherever in our country. We need more Americans like you and I that understand the Constitution and can defend the freedom of the American people against the left and their increasing encroachments on our God given rights. So start your classes today for free. Start your free Constitution 101 course right now. How do you do it? Go to Hillsdale Eduardo Slash Morning Update to enroll and it's no cost. It's easy to get started. You got to use a special website, hillsdale edu Morning Update Enroll for free hillsdale edu morningupdate it's the 47 morning update and it starts right now. Story number one, decisive and retaliatory strike ordered by the President of the United States of America. It was called Operation Hawkeye. The US military launched a large scale air and ground strike targeting ISIS fighters, infrastructures and weapons sites across 70 plus locations. The operation was ordered by President Donald Trump in direct response to an ambush that killed American personnel signaling firm deterrence. The strikes reportedly delivered a significant blow to ISIS remnants operational capabilities by hitting logistics, storage depots, command and control points and infrastructure. How did it happen? The use of precision munitions and a mix of aircraft, F15s, A10s and F16s were used as well as helicopters and artillery demonstrated that the US's tactical effectiveness and military coordination was unbelievable. I want you to hear how Fox News described this breaking news. We begin tonight with President Trump's response to last week's killing of two American service members and a civilian interpreter in Syria. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth calls new airstrikes tonight in Syria a declaration of vengeance against ISIS terrorists. We have Fox team coverage on the breaking story. Trey Yanks is in Tel Aviv with reaction to the strikes and chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin starts us off with what we know here in Washington. Good evening, Jennifer.

[Fox News Correspondent]

Good evening, Brett. A senior U.S. official tells Fox the U.S. military has struck more than 50 ISIS targets in the past two hours following the President's order to, quote, hit them hard. After the killing of three Americans Saturday, two members of the Iowa National Guard and their civilian translator by a member of the Syrian security forces. U.S. central Command launched a massive strike on dozens of ISIS targets in an operation called Operation Hawkeye Strike. Iowa is the Hawkeye State. The strikes took place at multiple locations across Syria. The targets include ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage sites. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth tweeted, quote, 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 to and never relent to defend our people. Sgt. William Nate Howard, 29, of Marshalltown and Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines and their civilian interpreter, Ayed Mansour Sakat of Michigan returned home in a dignified transfer Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where they were met by the president. The December 13 attack, which took place while a senior US military commander was meeting his Syrian counterparts near Palmyra in in central Syria. Afterwards, Syrian security forces helped carry out 10 partnered operations across Syria that led to the death, we're told, or detainment of more than two dozen ISIS affiliated individuals. The U.S. provided support during those raids. Those raids, Brett, led to the confiscation of electronics and individual interviews that resulted in the intelligence used for this operation to locate potential targets. A CENTCOM review is ongoing into the exact affiliation of the Syrian gunman who joined the security forces just two months before the gunman was in the process, Brett, of being removed from the Syrian military for suspected jihadist ties.

[Ben Ferguson]

Now, by targeting hundreds of ISIS positions, the retaliation reduced the group's ability to regroup or conduct future large scale operations, the White House has said. Leaders called the effort a declaration of vengeance. Underlying the attacks on US forces will be met with overwhelming force which can deter future aggressions. President Trump publicly warned ISIS and broader terrorist networks that threats to Americans would be met with strong and sustained retaliation. Reinforcing our resolve. The other part about this attack that's incredible was the precision engagement. US forces reportedly conducted strikes using over 100 precision munitions, focusing on ISIS logistical command targets rather than broad assaults. Such target actions are designed to reduce collateral damage while maximizing impact on militant capabilities. This aligns with the broader US military precision doctrine, minimizing unintended harm and again reinforcing what the President said. This isn't a declaration of war, it's a declaration of vengeance after killing our soldiers. Now, the operation, integrated air assets, helicopter gunships, rocket artillery, and support from coalition aircraft. Jordanian jets were involved as well. A demonstration of a multinational cooperation, specifically against ISIS terrorists. Now, these strikes also were meant to send a very clear message to other terrorist organizations around the world that the US Will protect its troops. As the White House described it and civilians overseas, reducing likelihood terrorists can act with impunity. By targeting infrastructure, weapons storage sites and launch points, the campaign actively reduces the ability of ISIS to plan, to coordinate and to execute attacks in this part of the world. In the region, the campaign reportedly occurred alongside ongoing cooperation with Syrian authorities who are aligned with US Goals against isis, adding diplomatic and local enforcement support to military actions now beyond Syria. US strikes ordered by President Trump earlier in 2025 targeted ISIS positions in Somalia, including airstrikes that killed dozens of fighters and eliminated key operational commanders, degrading the group's leadership and recruitment capabilities, specifically in Somalia. These actions are part of a continuous campaign, the White House says to prevent the resurgence of ISIS even after its territorial leaders were defeated. Showing long term commitment to global stability. And this goes back to what the President promised, strong deterrence. Show that the US Has a commitment to retaliate decisively against any terrorist threat. The White House also said this proves that we are degrading the enemy's capabilities. Strikes that disrupt ISIS infrastructure and limit the ability to, well, get back together to organize and to attack. The White House also said this precision and professionalism shown by the US Government should also be a deterrent because the use of advanced technology, advanced tactics and coordination minimize risk to civilians and they also maximize the impact of killing actual terrorists. And then the coalition cooperation which is so important. Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, and others working around the clock to make sure they had partner nations that were willing to work together on this. It strengthens our security efforts as well in the Middle East. And finally, it is about protecting our U.S. forces. When you kill a man or a woman in uniform under Donald Trump's watch, we're going to find you, we're going to hunt you down, and we're going to kill you. It reinforces the Trump doctrine that U.S. personnel abroad will be defended by whatever means are necessary by the Commander in Chief. At the end of the day, it's very clear that the President, United States of America, meant what he said when he said, it is going to be a major response and it will be one that they will know not to mess with us again. And that's exactly what the President's objective was. Quick break. Ben Ferguson, show your phone calls. 1800-474973-21800-474-9732 patriotmobile.com Phone lines are open. Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe. Wherever you're listening to this podcast, right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

[iHeart Podcast Host]

On ebay Every find has a story. Like if you're looking for a vintage band tee. Not just a tee, the band tee from the last show your favorite band ever played. You wore it everywhere. Then your BFF started layering it, which is cute, until they unfriended you and took it with them, which was not so cute. Anyway, now you're on ebay. And there it is. Same tea from the same tour, still living in your memory. Rent free forever. See, the things you love have a way of finding their way back to you. But ebay isn't just for getting whatever your ex BFF stole back. It's also for that rare championship foul ball you caught, then heroically gave to the kid next to you. And where else are you going to find your first car, the one you wish you never sold? But now you finally get the chance to take back home for good this time. Shop ebay for millions of fines, each with a story. Ebay things people love 10 athletes will face the toughest job interview in fitness that will push past physical and mental health breaking points. You are the fittest of the fit. Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract worth $250,000. This is where mindset comes in. Someone will be eliminated.

[Fox News Correspondent]

Pressure is coming down.

[Trainer Games Promoter]

Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th. Watch the trailer on trainergames.com Season 2.

[Unrivaled Basketball Announcer]

Of Unrivaled Basketball is here and the talent is unreal. The best women's players on the planet are running it back with even bigger moments and bigger stakes. Don't miss as Paige Beckers, Nafiza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more. Take the court and redefine the game. This isn't your regular season. This is Unrivaled, where the pace is faster, the energy is higher and every athlete shines. Unrivaled Basketball Season 2, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, tips off January 5 on TNT, TruTV and HBO Max.

[Trainer Games Promoter]

Nothing in life is free except this $10 that better picks is offering. Download the Better app, pick more or less on your favorite player's stats, or watch the games and win some cash. It's that simple. Must be 21 or older in a jurisdiction where Better Picks operates terms and conditions Play Better Picks Sports just got better. Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI it all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors LLC SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures [e-mail] Disclosures this is an iHeart podcast.

[iHeart Podcast Host]

Guaranteed Human.