The U.S. military conducted a significant series of airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in central Syria on Sunday, following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes, which aimed to prevent ISIS from exploiting the chaotic situation after Assad fled the country.
U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers, F-15E fighter jets, and A-10 attack aircraft carried out dozens of precision strikes on more than 75 ISIS targets, including militant leaders, fighters, and training camps. Approximately 140 munitions were dropped during the operation.
CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla issued a strong warning: “We will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria. All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way.”
The Pentagon emphasized that the strikes were carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties. A battle damage assessment is underway, but no civilian deaths have been reported.
The strikes come as the U.S. maintains about 900 troops in eastern Syria, primarily working with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to combat ISIS remnants and secure detention facilities holding ISIS fighters. While the U.S. dismantled ISIS’s self-proclaimed caliphate in 2019 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the group has continued attempts to regroup in the region.
President Joe Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to preventing ISIS’s resurgence, stating, “We will help ensure stability in eastern Syria and protect our personnel against any threats. Our mission against ISIS will be maintained.”
