US Carries Out Airstrikes in Syria

The United States executed dozens of precision airstrikes against ISIS in central Syria, following the collapse of the al-Assad regime.

At a Glance

U.S. Central Command conducted a large-scale military operation, targeting ISIS.
The operation followed the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
A variety of aircraft dropped 140 bombs on targets.
Gen. Kurilla warned against any support for ISIS.

Massive Airstrikes in Central Syria

CENTCOM led a significant military operation, bombing more than 75 ISIS elements in central Syria. These precision airstrikes were executed after the Bashar al-Assad regime fell, with Damascus now under Turkish-backed rebel control, and Assad seeking asylum in Russia.

CENTCOM said its “forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria.” The operation was one of the largest of its kind in the past decade, indicating CENTCOM’s preparedness to act swiftly following the anticipated regime collapse.

Geopolitical Context and Strategy

The strikes targeted ISIS leaders and operative camps, aiming to disrupt and severely degrade their capabilities. The operation’s scale emphasized the significance of the threat ISIS poses in the power vacuum created by Assad’s departure. CENTCOM’s continuous engagement with regional allies underscores the coordinated effort to ensure stability and avoid ISIS resurgence.

To underscore that message, CENTCOM commander, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, affirmed, “All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way.”

President Joe Biden authorized the airstrikes, signaling a firm U.S. commitment to maintaining regional stability despite the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. Though the airstrikes received varied reactions, with President-elect Donald Trump expressing criticism, the unilateral aim of preventing ISIS from gaining ground remains clear.

The military operation was among the largest conducted by CENTCOM in 10 years. Air & Space Forces Magazine characterized it as “massive anti-ISIS airstrikes.”https://t.co/rhskeFS4wi

— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) December 9, 2024

Operational Details and Future Plans

The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple aircraft types, including B-52 bombers, F-15 Strike Eagles, and A-10 Thunderbolts, delivering 140 bombs. CENTCOM stressed their operation’s success in avoiding civilian harm while asserting no civilian casualties were reported.

These airstrikes serve as a potent reminder of CENTCOM’s capacity to conduct large-scale military actions effectively. The aftermath of public statements by Gen. Kurilla and the president emphasizes an ongoing dedication to counteracting ISIS’s influence, diminishing its presence amidst Syria’s recovering political landscape.