The U.S. military captured Abu Halil al-Fad’ani, a significant operator for the Islamic State, during a helicopter raid in northern Syria. This capture enhances the prospects of targeting more members of the group, as stated by U.S. Central Command. Meanwhile, U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces imposed a curfew due to skirmishes with Arab militiamen in areas close to the American base.
Key Points:
- Abu Halil al-Fad’ani, an Islamic State operator with extensive links in the ISIS network, was captured in northern Syria.
- The capture is expected to boost U.S. counterterrorism operations in the region to target more ISIS members.
- Currently, the U.S. has around 900 troops in Syria focused on countering the remnants of the Islamic State group.
- U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces imposed a curfew in several towns in Deir el-Zour province after clashes with Arab militiamen.
- Syria’s ongoing civil war has spanned 12 years, resulting in the deaths of half a million people, with the Syrian government opposing the Kurdish-led forces’ alliance with the U.S.