“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance," Hegseth said on social media.

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth announces Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria to eliminate ISIS after American deaths.

“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance," Hegseth said on social media.

The attacks come a week after three Americans, including two US soldiers, were killed in Syria's Palmyra.

“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance," Hegseth said on social media.

“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance," Hegseth said on social media.