U.S., Syrian Forces Destroy ISIS Arms in Joint Operation

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced today they destroyed more than 15 ISIS weapons-storage sites in southern Syria between Nov. 24 and Nov. 27.

The sites were located across the Rif Damashq province.

U.S. personnel from Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) worked with Syrian military to identify and strike the caches through multiple airstrikes and ground detonations. The combined operation destroyed over 130 mortars and rockets, multiple assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and materials for building improvised explosive devices. Forces also discovered and destroyed illicit drugs.

“This successful operation ensures gains made against ISIS are lasting and the group is not able to regenerate or export terrorist attacks to the U.S. homeland and around the world,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said. “We will remain vigilant and continue to aggressively pursue ISIS remnants in Syria.”

CJTF-OIR, created by CENTCOM in 2014, continues to advise and support partner forces as ISIS fighters remain dispersed following the group’s 2019 territorial defeat.

Islamic State (IS), which once controlled territory across Syria and Iraq, was largely crushed by a U.S.-led coalition but has sought to rebuild networks.

The Syrian government said it carried out nationwide pre-emptive operations against ISIS cells ahead of Nov. 10 talks in Washington. During those talks, U.S. President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda commander previously sanctioned by Washington. The latter has pushed for full removal of the toughest sanctions on Syria.

On the same day, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a 180-day extension of its suspension of enforcement of Caesar sanctions, while noting that only Congress can lift them entirely.

The Caesar sanctions are U.S. measures that target anyone supporting or doing business with the Syrian government, blocking reconstruction funds, foreign investment, and financial networks linked to Damascus in a bid to pressure the state over documented wartime abuses.