U.S. forces carried out airstrikes in central Syria, killing 12 ISIS fighters on Monday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to prevent the group from regaining strength following the fall of the Assad regime on December 8.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes occurred in areas previously controlled by Syrian regime forces and Russia, where U.S. air operations had been limited. Officials said the removal of Syrian and Russian air defenses has now made the airspace more accessible for U.S. operations.
The recent strikes follow a major U.S. operation earlier this month that targeted 75 ISIS sites with heavy airpower, including B-52 bombers, F-15 Strike Eagles, and A-10 attack aircraft. CENTCOM reported no evidence of civilian casualties from the latest strikes and continues to assess the results.
The U.S. maintains around 900 troops in eastern Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, working alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces to prevent ISIS from regrouping. Officials remain concerned about detention centers and camps, such as Al Hol, which hold thousands of ISIS prisoners and displaced individuals, warning that any breakout could fuel the group’s resurgence.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder highlighted the importance of the strikes, stating they aim to keep ISIS fighters from seeking refuge in urban areas that are harder to target.
The U.S. military continues to monitor the region to ensure ISIS cannot reestablish itself or conduct external operations.
