The United States military confirmed on Friday that a precision airstrike in eastern Syria successfully eliminated Abu Yusif, a prominent leader of the Islamic State (IS), along with another operative.
The operation, conducted on Thursday in the Deir Ezzor province, underscores Washington’s intensified efforts to counter the jihadist group following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government. The collapse of Assad’s regime has significantly reshaped the dynamics in Syria, leaving previously fortified areas, once protected by Syrian and Russian air defenses, exposed to rebel control.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) shared details of the strike on social media, emphasizing its strategic importance. This airstrike reflects CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment to disrupt and degrade terrorist operations, ensuring they cannot plan or execute attacks,” the statement read.
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CENTCOM further highlighted that the strike occurred in a region previously under Syrian regime and Russian influence.
Over recent weeks, the US military has launched a series of aggressive operations against IS targets. Since Assad’s fall, the number of strikes has surged, with a major offensive on December 8 targeting over 75 IS positions. According to CENTCOM, these actions aim to prevent the group from regrouping in central Syria during this period of political upheaval.
Earlier this week, CENTCOM reported another operation that resulted in the elimination of 12 IS militants in areas previously controlled by Syrian and Russian forces.
The latest strike comes as the US announced a significant increase in its military presence in Syria. Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder revealed that the number of US troops in Syria has doubled, reaching approximately 2,000 personnel. This expanded presence reflects the United States’ commitment to ensuring IS cannot regain its former foothold.
For years, IS controlled vast territories in Syria and Iraq, posing a global security threat. However, coordinated efforts by local forces, supported by a US-led coalition, dismantled the group’s territorial hold. The recent escalation in military action signals Washington’s determination to prevent any resurgence of the militant group amid shifting regional dynamics.
