Tue Dec 30 22:56:24 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Following an ambush in Syria on December 13, 2025, that killed two U.S. National Guard members and an American interpreter, the U.S. military, in cooperation with Syrian forces and other regional partners, conducted 11 missions in Syria targeting Islamic State (IS) operatives. These operations, which began with strikes on IS weapons sites and infrastructure on December 19, resulted in the deaths or capture of approximately 25 IS members, and the elimination of several weapons caches. U.S. officials emphasize the growing cooperation with Syria’s new government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa following the ouster of Bashar Assad, and the goal is to eventually transfer the IS-fighting effort entirely to Syrian forces. The December 13 ambush occurred near Palmyra, and the gunman, a member of Syria’s security forces suspected of IS affiliation, was killed.

News Article:

US, Syrian Forces Kill or Capture 25 IS Operatives in Syria After Deadly Ambush

Washington, D.C. – December 31, 2025 – In a coordinated response to a deadly ambush that claimed the lives of two U.S. National Guard members and an American civilian interpreter, the U.S. military, alongside Syrian forces and regional partners, have killed or captured approximately 25 Islamic State (IS) operatives in Syria this month.

U.S. Central Command announced on Tuesday that the operations, which unfolded over the past 10 days, were launched following initial strikes on December 19 that targeted 70 IS weapons sites and infrastructure across central Syria. In addition to the casualties, the joint forces eliminated four IS weapons caches.

“We will not relent,” stated Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, emphasizing the commitment to working with regional partners to eradicate the ISIS threat.

The operations mark a significant step in the burgeoning cooperation between the U.S. and Syria’s new government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, following the removal of Bashar Assad last year. One U.S. official, speaking anonymously, noted that Syrian forces are playing a crucial role in these missions, even leading some operations against the militant group. The long-term goal, similar to the strategy employed in Iraq, is to eventually transfer the responsibility of combating IS entirely to Syrian forces.

The series of actions were triggered by an ambush near Palmyra on December 13. During the incident, two members of the Iowa National Guard and a Michigan-based interpreter were killed while attending a meeting with Syrian security officials. The gunman, a Syrian security guard suspected of IS affiliation, was killed at the scene.

President Trump commented that Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, was “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack.”

The initial retaliatory strike, which included Jordanian fighter jets, was viewed as a key test of the improved relationship between the U.S. and Syria. The future of the coalition’s efforts will hinge on sustained cooperation between the two nations.

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