A US airstrike in northwest Syria last week killed a senior leader of the Daesh group, the US military confirmed on Wednesday. The strike, carried out on June 19, eliminated Ali Husayn Al-Ulaywi, according to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Details of the Operation
The June 19 strike targeted Al-Ulaywi in northwest Syria. CENTCOM described the operation as part of ongoing US efforts to disrupt and eliminate terrorists who seek to attack Americans abroad or the US homeland. The statement did not specify the exact location of the strike or provide further details about Al-Ulaywi's role within the group.
Broader Context of US Involvement in Syria
The United States first intervened in Syria over a decade ago to support local Kurdish-majority forces fighting against Daesh, which had seized large areas of Syria and Iraq in a rapid offensive. Since then, the US-led international coalition against Daesh has reduced its presence after the militant group was pushed out of the territory it once controlled.
In April, US and Syrian authorities announced that Syria had taken control of all major bases in the country formerly used by the coalition. Despite these gains, Daesh retains sleeper cells in Syria, prompting periodic US strikes and raids targeting its remnants.
Impact and Significance
The killing of Al-Ulaywi underscores the continued threat posed by Daesh in the region. CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to degrade the group's capabilities. The strike also highlights the US military's ongoing counterterrorism operations in Syria, even as the overall coalition presence has decreased.
