The United States has recently conducted a series of joint military operations in Syria, targeting the militant group ISIS (Islamic State). These strikes were primarily launched in retaliation for an incident last year in which two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter lost their lives.
According to a report by Al Jazeera on Sunday, 15 February, the operations have been part of an ongoing effort to degrade ISIS capabilities and maintain sustained pressure on the organisation. A statement released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday confirmed that from 3 to 12 February, over 30 ISIS positions across Syria were struck using precision-guided munitions. CENTCOM emphasised that the attacks focused on dismantling the militants’ weapons stockpiles and infrastructure while maintaining “continuous military pressure” on the network.
The fatalities that prompted these retaliatory actions occurred in December 2025 near the historic Syrian city of Palmyra, where Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tover, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, and civilian interpreter Ayad Mansour Sakat were killed during an ISIS assault. In response, the US launched Operation Hockai, which, over the following two months, resulted in more than 50 ISIS fighters being killed or captured and inflicted damage on roughly 100 targeted facilities.
In addition to kinetic operations, the US-led coalition has recently transferred thousands of detained ISIS fighters from Syria to Iraq at Baghdad’s request, ensuring that these individuals face judicial processes under Iraqi law. The coalition welcomed this move as a step towards stabilising the region and upholding accountability.
Meanwhile, Syria’s Ministry of Defence has announced that control of the Al-Tanf military base in eastern Syria has now been handed over to the Syrian government forces. The base, which had been under US control for several years to combat ISIS, marks a significant shift in the region’s military landscape.
Since ISIS’s regional defeat in 2019, the US-led coalition had operated in coordination with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, Washington is increasingly aligning with Syria’s new authorities, signalling a reduction in joint operations with the SDF.
Summary of Recent Military Operations
| Date | Operation/Strike | Number of Targets | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–12 Feb 2026 | US airstrikes | 30+ | Weapons stockpiles and infrastructure destroyed |
| Dec 2025 | Palmyra retaliation | 100+ | 50+ ISIS fighters killed or captured |
| Recent | ISIS detainee transfer | Thousands | Transferred to Iraq for judicial processing |
These ongoing operations reflect the US administration’s dual objective: weakening remaining ISIS forces and fostering coordination with Syria’s new authorities to ensure regional security and stability.