The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a series of precision airstrikes against ISIS in central Syria this Sunday.
The operation, which allegedly targeted key ISIS camps and operatives, comes at a critical juncture as the embattled regime of Bashar Assad teeters on the brink of collapse.
CENTCOM’s operation hit over 75 strategic targets using a formidable arsenal, including B-52 bombers, F-15 fighter jets, and A-10 close air support aircraft.
In a statement, General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized that the strikes were vital to preventing ISIS from reorganizing in Syria and launching external operations.
Read the full statement below:
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria, Dec. 8.
The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade, and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria.
The operation struck over 75 targets using multiple U.S. Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s.
Battle damage assessments are underway, and there are no indications of civilian casualties.
CENTCOM, together with allies and partners in the region, will continue to carry out operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities even during this dynamic period in Syria.
“There should be no doubt – we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, “All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way.”
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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and… pic.twitter.com/E7CUPuPehf
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 8, 2024
The U.S. military’s proactive approach marks a stark contrast to President-elect Donald Trump’s warning against further entanglement in Syria’s ongoing quagmire. On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to reiterate his position that America should steer clear of Syria’s internal turmoil, declaring, “The United States should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved!”
Read his full statement:
“Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad.
Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.
This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in.
But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them. There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid.
In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”
