The United States military has announced that nearly 25 fighters belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS) were either killed or captured in Syria during a series of operations carried out between 20 and 29 December.
The campaign followed a deadly ambush earlier in the month that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the missions were part of a broader offensive launched after a large-scale strike on 19 December, known as Operation Hawkeye Strike.
That initial assault, conducted jointly with Jordanian forces, targeted 70 sites across central Syria using more than 100 precision attacks.
The strikes destroyed weapons caches and infrastructure linked to ISIS, paving the way for subsequent raids.
CENTCOM confirmed that at least seven ISIS members were killed in the follow-up missions, while others were detained. Four weapons caches were also eliminated.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, emphasised the determination of US forces continuing pursuing the group. “We will not relent,” he said.
“Continuing to hunt down terrorist operatives, eliminate ISIS networks, and work with partners to prevent an ISIS resurgence makes America, the region, and the world safer.”
The operations highlight Washington’s ongoing military presence in Syria, where approximately 1,000 US troops remain deployed.
This is a significant reduction from the 2,000 personnel stationed during the height of the campaign against ISIS in 2014.
Despite the group’s territorial defeat in 2019, US officials maintain that remnants of ISIS continue to pose a threat both regionally and internationally. In 2025 alone, ISIS-inspired plots were linked to at least 11 attempted attacks in the United States.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition, have long been a key partner of the US in the fight against ISIS.
However, the country remains volatile, with sporadic clashes between government forces and the SDF reported in recent weeks.
The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has also joined the US-led coalition against ISIS, marking a shift in regional alliances.
The December operations underscore the complexity of Syria’s security landscape. In addition to the ISIS threat, Damascus has accused Israel of expanding its occupation beyond the Golan Heights, carrying out raids and detentions in southern Syria.
Meanwhile, Washington has signalled its intention to gradually shift foreign policy focus away from the Middle East, though the recent attacks demonstrate the enduring challenges posed by extremist groups.
As CENTCOM continues its campaign, analysts note that the US strategy reflects a balance between reducing its footprint in Syria and ensuring that ISIS does not regain strength.
The latest raids serve as a reminder that, despite territorial losses, the group remains capable of mounting deadly attacks, necessitating ongoing vigilance from both regional and international actors.
Sources: Al Jazeera, US Central Command, Asharq Al-Awsat
