strike back
To retaliate; to return or counter an attack. They were down for most of the game, but they struck back in the fourth quarter with an amazing effort. The government vowed to strike back following the attack on its military outpost.
strike back (at someone or something)
to return the blows of someone or something; to return the attack of someone or something. The victim struck back at the mugger and scared him away. The victim struck back in the courts.
strike back
v. To deliver a return attack; counterattack: The rebels struck back at the government forces.