WASHINGTON, Dec 21 – A U.S. airstrike in Syria’s eastern Deir ez-Zor province on Thursday eliminated a senior ISIS operative and another member of the terror group, according to a statement released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday morning.
CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to preventing ISIS from regrouping in the region. “As stated before, the United States — working with allies and partners in the region — will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute,” Kurilla said. He added that the group remains determined to free the 8,000 operatives held in detention facilities across Syria.
The targeted airstrike is part of ongoing efforts to “disrupt and degrade efforts” by ISIS leaders and operatives, including those attempting to launch operations beyond Syria, according to CENTCOM.
Context of Growing Instability in Syria
The strike comes amidst heightened instability in Syria following the Dec. 8 exile of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Russia, marking the end of a nearly 14-year regime. Deir ez-Zor province, formerly under the control of the Syrian government and Russian forces, has become a critical area as various factions vie for power in the vacuum left by Assad’s departure.
Turkey has also intensified its military actions against the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) since Assad fled the country, further complicating the security situation. The SDF has been a key ally in combating ISIS in the region, and its forces face increasing pressure from Turkish operations.
U.S. officials maintain that targeted strikes against ISIS leadership will continue to ensure the group cannot exploit the ongoing chaos in Syria.