U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, Killing 12 Militants

American forces conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria on Monday, killing 12 fighters, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The strikes aimed to weaken ISIS leadership, operatives, and camps in central Syria, a region previously controlled by the Assad regime and Russian forces.

The airstrikes are part of an ongoing U.S. mission to disrupt ISIS activities, prevent external operations, and deter the group from regaining strength. General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized that CENTCOM, alongside regional allies and partners, remains committed to ensuring ISIS cannot exploit current conditions in Syria.

The strikes coincide with U.S. concerns over the security of ISIS detention facilities in Syria. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted that the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8 raised fears of potential ISIS attempts to free detained fighters.

The U.S. military continues to collaborate with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to maintain security around these facilities. Ryder highlighted that the U.S. provides an "outer layer" of security while working with the international community to repatriate detainees to their home countries.

“A successful breakout of ISIS prisoners would pose a significant setback,” Ryder said, reiterating the focus on disrupting external operations and ensuring detainees remain secured.

Recent Operations in the Region

Monday's strikes follow earlier U.S. air operations on December 8, where over 75 ISIS-related targets were hit using a combination of warplanes, including B-52 bombers and F-15 fighter jets. These actions are part of broader efforts to prevent ISIS from capitalizing on the recent political changes in Syria.

The U.S. military currently maintains approximately 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of an international coalition established in 2014 to combat ISIS.

Carrier Strike Group Deployment

In related developments, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group entered the CENTCOM area of responsibility on Saturday to enhance regional stability. The group includes the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1, guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.