Joint Military Operation Against ISIS
U.S. troops, in collaboration with Syrian security personnel, successfully dismantled over a dozen ISIS weapons sites last week. This marked their first significant joint military operation following the visit of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the White House on November 10.
Between November 24 and 27, U.S. and Syrian forces conducted a series of airstrikes and ground assaults targeting more than 15 weapons caches in the Rif Damashq province of southern Syria.
The coordinated effort resulted in the destruction of over 130 mortars and rockets, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and several assault rifles. Additionally, they uncovered materials used for constructing improvised explosive devices, according to officials from U.S. Central Command.
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, stated that this successful operation ensures that gains against ISIS are sustainable and prevents the group from regenerating or exporting terrorist threats globally.
“We will remain vigilant and continue to aggressively pursue ISIS remnants in Syria,” Adm. Cooper emphasized.
Following last month’s meeting between Mr. al-Sharaa and President Trump, a Syrian government official announced that Damascus had signed a “political cooperation declaration” with the U.S.-led coalition aimed at combating ISIS.
Ahmad Sharawi, a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, noted that cooperation between Syrian forces and U.S. troops signals Syria’s intent to become a counterterrorism partner. However, he stressed that Damascus must eliminate radical elements within its ranks.
Sharawi also pointed out that integrating various militia groups into a national army has been rushed, leading to “undisciplined factions that do not follow orders.” He concluded by stating that for this counterterrorism relationship to thrive, Syria must focus on reforming its security apparatus and removing any radical forces.
