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U.S. carries out fresh airstrikes against ISIS in Syria within authorized flight zone

U.S. Air Force launches new attacks on ISIS militants in Syria's central region on 16th December.

,   and  ASMedia
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Military carried out fresh air attacks on ISIS militants in central Syria on December 16th.
Military carried out fresh air attacks on ISIS militants in central Syria on December 16th.

U.S. carries out fresh airstrikes against ISIS in Syria within authorized flight zone

Blasting the Islamic State Again

In the wake of the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime, the U.S. military is accelerating its offensive against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria. On December 16, the U.S. military carried out precision airstrikes against IS camps and operatives in central Syria, as part of an intensified anti-IS campaign.

The U.S. strikes targeted 12 militants, leaving no civilian casualties, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Four locations in the Badiya desert were hit, with a battle damage assessment still underway. Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, made it clear that the U.S. will not allow ISIS to regroup and capitalize on the current situation in Syria.

The airstrikes follow a punishing series of attacks on five sites in central Syria on December 8, hours after the fall of the Assad regime. More than 75 targets were hit, including around 140 precision munitions dropped from U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers, F-15 Strike Eagle fighters, and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. The strikes targeted areas that were previously off-limits to U.S. aircraft.

The recent airstrikes against ISIS have been possible due to the absence of Russian and regime air defense systems and military flight operations in the area. As the US reduces its military presence in Syria, the Navy's USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its embarked F/A-18 fighters arrived in the Middle East on December 14, joining Air Force B-52s, F-15Es, F-16s, and A-10s already in the region.

The ongoing Operation Inherent Resolve, led by the U.S., dismantled the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria in 2019. Despite the departure of IS, the group continues to pose a threat, particularly in the Al Hol camp housing displaced people and nearby detention centers that hold thousands of IS prisoners. The US wants to prevent the camp from being overrun, which could fuel a resurgence of the group.

While the exact future military footprint of Russia in Syria is uncertain, the potential for increased Russian influence looms as the US reduces its presence in the country. The U.S. will likely continue to work with local forces, like the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to counter IS and maintain stability in the region.

Additional Insights:The U.S. has been gradually reducing its military presence in Syria, planning to operate from a single base. The removal of Russian and regime air defenses has made it easier for U.S. forces to conduct airstrikes against IS targets in previously restricted areas. The Syrian Free Army (SFA) is working to secure key strategic locations, such as the Al Seen Military Airbase, to help stabilize the region. Russia might seek to fill the power vacuum left by the U.S. by expanding its military presence and influence in Syria.

  1. The U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers, F-15 Strike Eagle fighters, and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft were used in the precision airstrikes against ISIS.
  2. The U.S. Defense Department is working to maintain security in Syria, focusing on the disruption of ISIS and the prevention of a potential resurgence of the group.
  3. The U.S. Space Force, alongside the Air Force, is part of the ongoing military efforts against war-and-conflicts such as ISIS, and may play a role in providing reconnaissance and support to aircraft in operations.
  4. The Pentagon has decided to keep a limited military presence in Syria, but it remains vigilant about the potential for crime-and-justice issues in the region, including the possibility of weapons falling into the wrong hands.
  5. As the U.S. reduces its military presence in Syria, politics and general-news outlets will closely watch for any developments in the region's defense and security.
  6. Despite the defeat of the Islamic State, the U.S. is wary of the threat they pose, particularly in areas like the Al Hol camp and nearby detention centers. The military is prepared to take necessary action to ensure the security of the region.
  7. There are concerns about the future military footprint of Russia in Syria, as the U.S. decreases its presence. This could potentially lead to an increase in Russian influence and conflict in the region.

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