Tue Dec 30 15:46:06 UTC 2025: ## US Military Claims Killing or Capture of 25 ISIS Fighters in Syria Following Soldier Deaths

SYRIA – The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Tuesday the conclusion of a nine-day military campaign in central Syria that resulted in the killing or capture of approximately 25 ISIS fighters. The operation, which took place between December 20th and 29th, was launched in response to the December 13th death of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, who were killed by an ISIS gunman.

According to CENTCOM, the campaign involved 11 missions that eliminated at least seven ISIS members and captured the rest. The operations also destroyed four ISIS weapons caches. The identities of those targeted were not disclosed.

The initial response to the killings occurred on December 19th, with “massive strikes” that targeted 70 locations with over 100 precision munitions, according to CENTCOM. These strikes, conducted in coordination with Jordanian forces, involved dozens of fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and artillery, targeting ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites across central Syria.

“The massive strike executed by dozens of fighter aircraft, attack helicopters and artillery destroyed ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites across central Syria,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

While ISIS lost territorial control in Syria and Iraq between 2014 and 2019, US officials maintain that remnants of the group continue to pose a threat. CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated the US “will not relent” in going after ISIS remnants.

“Continuing to hunt down terrorist operatives, eliminate ISIS networks, and work with partners to prevent an ISIS resurgence makes America, the region, and the world safer,” Cooper said.

The US has maintained a military presence in Syria since 2014, initially deploying as many as 2,000 soldiers. The current deployment is estimated at around 1,000.

This military action follows recent shifts in US policy towards Syria, including the lifting of sanctions and apparent warming of relations with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. President Trump recently praised al-Sharaa as a “very strong guy” and encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “get along” with Syria.

The fight against ISIS remains a key security challenge in Syria, amidst other conflicts including clashes between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, and ongoing concerns regarding Israeli activity in southern Syria.

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