US, SDF Target ISIS in Syria, Kill or Capture 25
U.S. military forces conducted a series of operations in Syria this month that resulted in the deaths or capture of nearly 25 Islamic State group members, according to U.S. Central Command, marking a continued effort to degrade the terror group’s influence in the region. The operations, carried out jointly with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), underline an ongoing commitment to counterterrorism in northeastern Syria amid rising geopolitical tensions.
In a report titled “US forces kill, capture nearly 25 ISIS fighters in Syria operations,” published by Military Times, officials confirmed that between December 1 and December 30, U.S. and partner forces executed 17 unilateral and partnered operations. These missions resulted in eight suspected ISIS operatives killed and 17 others detained.
Brig. Gen. Claude Tudor, the commander of Special Operations Joint Task Force-Levant, emphasized the significance of these operations in a region still grappling with insurgent activity. “Our continued pressure against ISIS is crucial to preventing their resurgence and protecting the security of the region,” Tudor said in a statement quoted in the report.
Though territorial control by ISIS in Syria and Iraq was declared defeated in 2019, U.S. commanders maintain that the group remains a threat in the form of sleeper cells and clandestine leadership networks. The operations in December targeted suspected ISIS leaders and facilitators believed to be involved in financing and coordinating attacks.
The presence of approximately 900 U.S. troops in Syria continues to play a pivotal role in supporting local forces and maintaining stability in areas still vulnerable to extremist influence. However, the complex dynamics of the region, complicated by the presence of Russian, Turkish, Iranian, and Syrian regime forces, pose ongoing operational and diplomatic challenges.
These latest developments come against a background of heightened concern over the group’s attempts to regroup, especially in less governed areas. Officials maintain that sustained counterterrorism efforts and intelligence-sharing with regional partners are crucial in preventing a resurgence of organized terrorist operations in Syria and beyond.
Military leaders reiterated that while the Islamic State has been territorially weakened, its ideological and operational threat persists. The recent operations are part of a broader strategy to keep pressure on remaining militants and to support long-term stability efforts with regional allies.
As the year draws to a close, U.S. military leadership has signaled that similar operations will continue into 2025, with the aim of sustaining momentum in the fight against ISIS and preventing the type of destabilization that could draw the region back into a wider conflict.
