The U.S. military has killed or captured nearly 25 ISIS members in a nine-day operation in Syria, following an attack that claimed the lives of two American troops and an interpreter. The missions targeted ISIS networks in central Syria after joint strikes with Jordan. Officials emphasized ongoing commitment to countering the terrorist threat.
In response to a deadly ISIS attack on December 13, U.S. Central Command launched a series of counterterrorism operations in Syria. The assault killed 29-year-old Sgt. Nate Howard and 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Torres-Tovar, both from the Iowa National Guard, along with American interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat.
On December 19, the United States and Jordan conducted airstrikes using fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery against more than 70 ISIS targets, focusing on infrastructure and weapons sites in central Syria. The following day, from December 20 to 29, U.S. and partner forces executed 11 missions, resulting in seven terrorists killed and over a dozen captured. Additionally, four ISIS weapons caches were destroyed during these efforts.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, stated, “We will not relent. We are steadfast in commitment to working with regional partners to root out the ISIS threat posed to U.S. and regional security.” He further noted that such actions, including hunting operatives and eliminating networks, enhance safety for America, the region, and the world.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth, announcing the initial strikes, warned, “As we said directly following the savage attack, if you target Americans—anywhere in the world—you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.”
This operation is part of broader efforts in 2025, where American and partner forces have killed more than 20 terrorists and detained over 300 in Syria. Central Command reports that ISIS inspired at least 11 plots or attacks in the United States this year. Separately, a 21-year-old Texas man, John Michael Garza, faces charges for supplying bomb components and cryptocurrency to suspected ISIS affiliates, highlighting ongoing domestic threats.
