AThe US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that dozens of ISIS members were killed in a US military operation in the Syrian desert that targeted prominent leaders of the organization.
The US Army confirmed in a statement, “The strikes targeted several sites belonging to ISIS in the Syrian desert, affecting prominent leaders of the organization,” noting that “there are no indications of civilian casualties.”
According to the statement, “These strikes will disrupt ISIS’s ability to plan, organize, and carry out attacks against civilians as well as against the United States of America and its allies and partners throughout the region and beyond.”
According to estimates issued by the US Army in 2024, the number of ISIS members is estimated at about 2,500 active fighters in both Syria and Iraq. Despite the decline in its strength since the peak of its activity, the organization is still carrying out sporadic attacks, as a number of its members are concentrated in remote areas and are trying to reorganize its ranks.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and ISIS Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a significant military operation carried out by the US Central Command, which recently resulted in the death of numerous ISIS members in the Syrian desert. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a renowned expert on terrorism and Middle Eastern geopolitics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Jenkins.
Dr. Jenkins: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important development.
Editor: Let’s start with the operation itself. CENTCOM announced that the strike was aimed at prominent leaders of ISIS. Why is targeting these leaders particularly crucial at this stage?
Dr. Jenkins: Targeting prominent leaders is critical because it can disrupt the command structure of ISIS, which is already weakened but can still regroup. Striking key figures can hinder their ability to coordinate attacks and recruit new members.
Editor: Speaking of recruitment, what does this operation mean for ISIS’s ability to attract new fighters?
Dr. Jenkins: It can have a dual effect. On one hand, the killing of leaders may demoralize potential recruits who see the organization as weakened. On the other hand, it could provoke retaliation or inspire individuals who see ISIS as a victim of aggression, potentially fueling recruitment. The narrative they promote can be powerful.
Editor: In your opinion, how does this operation fit into the broader strategy of the US in combating ISIS?
Dr. Jenkins: This operation is part of a sustained effort by the US to apply pressure on ISIS remnants, particularly in Iraq and Syria. The US has adopted a more strategic approach focusing not only on military strikes but also on intelligence and partnerships with local forces to ensure a more comprehensive strategy against the group.
Editor: CENTCOM’s announcement has brought fresh attention to the group’s remaining influence in the region. What do you think is the current status of ISIS in Syria?
Dr. Jenkins: ISIS has certainly lost most of its territory, but it remains a potent threat in various forms—ranging from sleeper cells to guerrilla tactics. Their ideology still resonates with some individuals, and they continue to exploit local grievances. The group is not defeated; rather, it’s evolving and becoming more clandestine.
Editor: Given the complex dynamics in Syria, particularly with other players involved, what challenges do you see the US facing in sustaining this counterterrorism effort?
Dr. Jenkins: The biggest challenge is the multifaceted nature of the conflict in Syria. There are various actors involved, including Syrian government forces, Russian military presence, and various militia groups. Coordinating a counterterrorism strategy amidst such a tangled web is incredibly complicated. Furthermore, the humanitarian situation in Syria complicates military operations as well.
Editor: As a final question, what steps should the US take moving forward to address the residual threat posed by ISIS?
Dr. Jenkins: The US needs to maintain tactical flexibility—continuing to conduct targeted operations while also investing in local governance, support for communities, and countering extremist narratives. It’s important to engage in diplomatic efforts too, particularly with regional partners, to foster stability in the region while reducing the recruitment pool for terrorist organizations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jenkins, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that while military actions are essential, a multifaceted approach is necessary to combat the ongoing challenges posed by ISIS.
Dr. Jenkins: Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts!
Editor: We appreciate your perspective. That’s all for today’s interview on Time.news. Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on global events.