U.S. Airstrikes in Syria Cause Major Disruption to Key Terrorist Groups

Jet and two figures silhouetted against dramatic sunset.

U.S. forces launch devastating airstrikes in Syria, eliminating key terrorist leaders and disrupting ISIS operations.

At a Glance

U.S. Central Command conducted two targeted strikes in Syria, killing 37 terrorist operatives
Senior leaders from ISIS and Al Qaeda-affiliated Hurras al-Din were among those eliminated
Strikes aimed to disrupt terrorist activities against civilians and military personnel
No civilian casualties reported in either strike

Precision Strikes Target Terrorist Strongholds

In a series of decisive actions, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has dealt a significant blow to terrorist organizations operating in Syria. Two targeted strikes resulted in the elimination of 37 terrorist operatives, including multiple high-ranking leaders from ISIS and Hurras al-Din, an Al Qaeda affiliate. These operations underscore America’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding regional stability.

The first strike, conducted on September 24, targeted a group of nine operatives in northwest Syria. Among those killed was Marwan Bassam ‘Abd-al-Ra’uf, a senior leader of Hurras al-Din responsible for overseeing military operations. This Al Qaeda-linked group has been known for its global attack aspirations, making the elimination of its leadership a crucial step in preventing future threats.

U.S. CENTCOM conducts strikes against Kataib Hezbollah terrorist group targets in Iraq

In response to multiple attacks against coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against multiple facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups… pic.twitter.com/mmL4WqFXq9

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 26, 2023

Dismantling ISIS Training Facilities

In a separate operation on September 16, CENTCOM forces conducted a large-scale airstrike on a remote ISIS training camp in central Syria. This precision strike resulted in the deaths of at least 28 ISIS operatives, including four senior leaders. The camp’s destruction is expected to significantly impair ISIS’s ability to plan and execute operations against U.S. interests and allies in the region.

“These strikes against leadership and operatives of ISIS and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, represent CENTCOM’s commitment to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and our support to regional stability,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

The strikes are part of an ongoing effort to disrupt and degrade terrorist capabilities in the region. CENTCOM emphasized that these operations are conducted in partnership with allies and partners, aiming to prevent attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S. and its allies throughout the region and beyond.

Strategic Importance of U.S. Presence in Syria

Approximately 900 U.S. forces remain in Syria, along with an undisclosed number of contractors. Their primary focus is preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State group and advising and assisting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria. This area holds strategic significance due to the presence of Iran-backed militant groups and a key border crossing with Iraq.

These recent strikes demonstrate the U.S. military’s precision and effectiveness in targeting terrorist threats. By eliminating key leadership and disrupting training facilities, these operations aim to significantly impair the ability of terrorist groups to organize and conduct attacks. The absence of reported civilian casualties further highlights the careful planning and execution of these missions.