U.S. forces have quietly eliminated 163 ISIS militants and captured 33 others in Iraq and Syria since August, showcasing America’s ongoing commitment to counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East.
At a Glance
- U.S. forces conducted over 95 operations against ISIS since August 29
- 163 ISIS militants killed, 33 captured, including 30+ senior and mid-level leaders
- Significant enemy materials seized to aid future disruptions
- Approximately 900 U.S. forces in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq for counter-ISIS missions
- Two U.S. service members wounded in an October 22 operation in central Iraq
Ongoing Counter-ISIS Operations
The United States military is continuing its fight against Islamic terrorist globally, with reports revealing ongoing counter-ISIS operations in the Middle East. Since late August, American forces have been engaged in a series of covert missions aimed at dismantling the remnants of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Or, at least, what’s left of it after Trump originally brought the group to its knees.
These operations, largely conducted away from the media spotlight, have proven highly effective in disrupting ISIS activities and neutralizing key figures within the terrorist organization. The U.S. Central Command revealed the extent of these operations in a statement released on Monday.
Significant Impact on ISIS Leadership
The precision and effectiveness of these counter-terrorism efforts are evident in the numbers reported by U.S. Central Command. Over the course of more than 95 operations, including strikes in Syria, American forces have dealt a severe blow to ISIS’s operational capabilities.
“U.S. forces in the Middle East have killed 163 Islamic State group militants and captured another 33 in dozens of operations in Iraq and Syria since late August, U.S. Central Command said in a Monday statement,” U.S. Central Command said.
The operations have been particularly successful in targeting ISIS leadership, with U.S. Central Command stating that the missions “resulted in 163 terrorists killed and 33 captured, including over 30 senior and mid-level ISIS leaders.” This strategic focus on leadership targets has significantly hampered ISIS’s ability to plan and execute attacks.
Among the numerous operations conducted, a few stand out for their impact. In late October, U.S. forces targeted Syrian desert camps, resulting in the elimination of up to 35 militants. This operation showcased the precision and intelligence-led nature of American counter-terrorism efforts.
“These successful operations resulted in the seizure of significant enemy materiel that could aid in future disruptions,” U.S. Central Command also announced.
Another significant operation took place on October 22 in central Iraq. This joint U.S.-Iraqi mission resulted in the death of at least seven ISIS operatives. However, the operation also highlighted the risks involved in these missions, as two U.S. service members were wounded and subsequently transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment.
The United States maintains a substantial presence in the region to support these counter-ISIS efforts. Currently, approximately 900 U.S. forces are stationed in Syria, with an additional 2,500 in Iraq, all dedicated to counter-ISIS missions. This deployment underscores America’s long-term commitment to preventing an ISIS resurgence following the group’s territorial defeat in 2019.
And if Trump is re-elected, we might expect even bigger successes.
