US Eliminates ISIS Leader Abu Yusif

21 December, 2024 US Air Force in the Middle East. Source: U.S. Central Command

The US Armed Forces killed ISIS leader Abu Yousif in a precision strike in Syria. This was reported by the US Central Command. US forces conducted an airstrike on the terrorist leader in the Syrian province of Deir al-Zour.

The strike killed two ISIS militants, including their leader Abu Yusif, known as Mahmoud. "This airstrike is part of the Central Command's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and weaken terrorist efforts to plan, organize and conduct attacks against U.S. civilians and military personnel, and against our allies and partners throughout the region and beyond," the statement read. The Central Command noted that the strike had been carried out in an area previously controlled by the Syrian regime and the Russians.

The statement emphasizes that the United States, working with allies and partners in the region, will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and rebuild its forces. "ISIS intends to release more than 8,000 ISIS fighters currently detained in facilities in Syria. We will aggressively attack these leaders and fighters, including those who attempt to conduct operations outside of Syria," stated General Michael Curie, commander of U.S.

Central Command. U.S. officials are trying to prevent a new "terrible scenario" in Syria: a major terrorist escape from prisons. Currently, thousands of Islamic State militants remain in temporary prisons under the supervision of Kurdish forces, which are limited in their weapons.

So now the full-scale return of ISIS, Politico notes, may depend on whether the United States and a group of allies can prevent their escape.

The situation in Syria

As Voice of America reports, U.S. diplomats and military officials have intensified their work with groups vying to chart a new course for Syria, as well as with Syria's neighbors, in an effort to ensure that the ousted regime of former President Bashar al-Assad does not replace a more unstable and dangerous future. In particular, General Michael Kurilla met in Amman with Major General Yousef al-Hunayti, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Jordan. According to the United States, Kurilla promised Jordan US support if the situation in Syria deteriorates.

At the same time, as Voice of America reports, Russia hopes to maintain its military presence in Syria with the help of Turkey.

A cluster of vehicles near an IL-76 at the Khmeimim air base. Source: Preston Stewart.

In particular, Russian state media have begun referring to the Syrians who overthrew the Assad regime as "rebels" rather than "terrorists," which is likely a sign of Moscow's desire to engage diplomatically with the new government in Syria.

"Obviously, this is a serious blow to Russian policy in the region, and it's a personal humiliation for President Putin," Thomas Graham, a representative of the Council on Foreign Relations, told VOA. "In 2015, Putin sent troops to Syria to save Assad from rebels.

Less than 10 years later, Russia has been unable or unwilling to do anything to prevent the fall of the regime."