IRIA News

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U.S. Air Force carried out a large-scale series of airstrikes on central Syria on December 9, 2024, targeting over 75 locations associated with ISIS locations. The strikes come one day after the collapse of Syria’s government.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the operation involved “dozens” of strikes, and employed B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters, and A-10 Warthogs. These aircraft unleashed around 140 munitions in what one senior U.S. administration official termed a “significant strike.”

“There should be no doubt. We will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” said Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of CENTCOM. He added, “All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way.”

Early reports from CENTCOM suggest there were no civilian casualties, though assessments of the strikes are ongoing.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress conducts a combat air patrol in support of Operation Inherent Resolve over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. pic.twitter.com/t9F3qvJG45

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 6, 2024

The fallout from Syrian government

The strikes are a part of the series of events in Syria’s political landscape. Bashar al-Assad, who had held onto power for years despite a brutal civil war and widespread international condemnation for his use of chemical weapons, fled the country after the fall collapse of his regime.

The rebel group consisting of several armed organizations took over the control of all of Syria’s major cities, including the capital Damascus. According to Russian state media, Assad and his family have sought refuge in Moscow.

Assad’s fall is the result of withdrawal by his key supporters, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, as they have been weakened or distracted over the past year due to other ongoing regional conflicts.

The fall of Assad ended a decade-long civil war that tore the country apart, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. It also shifts the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

ISIS resurgence and U.S. presence

The Syrian civil war facilitated the rise of ISIS in the 2010s, drawing the U.S. and its allies into a prolonged campaign to dismantle the extremist group. Today, approximately 900 U.S. personnel remain in Syria, primarily stationed in the northeast. The international mission to combat ISIS is set to conclude within two years.

President Joe Biden reaffirmed America’s commitment to combating ISIS during remarks at the White House on Sunday. “We will maintain our positions in Syria and continue to fight ISIS,” Biden said, describing the events as a rare opportunity to stabilize a country ravaged by war. However, concerns remain over the group that has taken control in Syria following Assad’s ousting. Once affiliated with al Qaeda, this group is still classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

Uncertain path ahead

The collapse of Assad’s regime has left the region at a crossroads. While the U.S. is engaging with various Syrian groups to support the formation of a more stable government, the challenges are immense. A senior U.S. official emphasized the importance of securing Assad’s former stockpiles of chemical weapons, which remain a critical concern for international security.

The events also reignite debates over America’s involvement in Syria. President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously advocated for withdrawing U.S. troops from the country, reiterated his position in a social media post over the weekend, stating, “The U.S. shouldn’t get further involved.”

American lawmakers and military officials closely monitored the developments at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. Many expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a more peaceful future in Syria but underscored the need for vigilance against ISIS and other extremist groups exploiting the power vacuum.

Regional implications

Syria’s future is now deeply uncertain. The international community faces a delicate balancing act preventing extremist groups from gaining strength while supporting efforts to build a peaceful and inclusive government.

Meanwhile, Russia’s diminished influence in the region is evident, with its focus diverted to other pressing global issues. Iran and Hezbollah are also unlikely to play a significant role, leaving a potential opening for other players, including the U.S. and its allies, to shape Syria’s trajectory.