Syrian Airstrike Leads to Elimination of ISIS Leader by US Forces
U.S. forces in Syria carried out strikes targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif and another operative in Syria’s Dayr az Zawr province, as reported by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The mission in Syria, ongoing since 2014, aims to diminish ISIS’s stronghold in the region and prevent its expansion across the Middle East.
CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla expressed concern that ISIS leaders are capitalizing on the political instability in Syria following Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow after years of civil unrest.
Kurilla stated, “We are committed to aggressively pursuing these leaders and operatives, especially those intending to carry out activities beyond Syria.”
The Pentagon confirmed that there are over 2,000 U.S. troops stationed in Syria, more than double the previously stated number of 900.
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced that the additional 1,100 troops are rotational forces that have been stationed in Syria for an extended period.
After Assad’s regime fell, Syria seems likely to be led by rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has ties to al-Qaeda and is considered a terrorist organization.
HTS leader Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, a former combatant against U.S. troops in Iraq, has recently attempted to portray a more moderate image, pledging to protect minority groups and women’s rights in Syria.
U.S. diplomats are engaging in discussions with HTS in Damascus to encourage them to prevent ISIS from regaining power in Syria and to support the ongoing U.S. mission in the region.
Kurilla reiterated the United States’ commitment to preventing the resurgence of ISIS in Syria, working alongside regional allies and partners to maintain stability in the region.
