The United States military conducted a precision airstrike in Syria’s eastern Deir ez-Zor Province on Thursday, killing a senior Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) leader, Abu Yusif, also known as Mahmud, and an additional ISIS operative. 

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strike specifically targeted the ISIS leader. The strike also aimed to prevent ISIS from regrouping and to counter its plans to free over 8,000 of its members currently detained in facilities across Syria.

Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM Commander, emphasized the continued threat posed by ISIS, stating: “We will aggressively target these leaders and operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to Syria.”

The operation coincided with the Pentagon’s acknowledgment that the number of U.S. troops in Syria has increased to 2,000. This figure is more than double the previously disclosed deployment of 900. Pentagon 

Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder clarified that this includes 900 “core” troops on longer-term missions and an additional 1,100 troops deployed temporarily to address shifting mission needs. Ryder noted that the increased troop presence has been ongoing for several months and is focused on the counter-ISIS mission.

The Deir ez-Zor Province remains a critical area of focus for U.S. and allied forces combating ISIS. The area was previously under the control of the Syrian regime and Russian forces before the recent fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. According to reports, the region has seen heightened activity from terrorist cells attempting to exploit instability.

The U.S. continues to work with local partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces, to counter ISIS threats.