New york: The US military has launched a series of attacks on Islamic State (IS) positions in Syria, while the Syrian government forces have expelled Kurdish fighters from Aleppo. This development is part of an ongoing US operation to retaliate against ISIS for the death of an American soldier last month.
According to Thai News Agency, the U.S.-led coalition has intensified its operations, executing ground and air strikes against ISIS across Syria, with the participation of Syrian security personnel. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recently announced a nationwide offensive targeting ISIS, continuing efforts that began in December 2015. These actions are in response to a December 13 ISIS attack that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and an interpreter. The U.S. maintains around 1,000 troops in Syria.
The Syrian government, currently led by President Ahmed al-Sharah, who assumed power by overthrowing Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, is actively cooperating with the U.S.-led coalition. The government also includes factions from al-Qaeda, and since the president’s visit to the White House last year, it has been working with the coalition to combat ISIS.
In a simultaneous conflict, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from Aleppo after refusing to vacate their last position in the Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood, as stipulated in a recent ceasefire agreement. This led to a Syrian army offensive that displaced over 140,000 people. The SDF’s retreat marks the end of their control over Aleppo, although they retain influence in various northeastern districts.
The SDF announced through a commander on X that a ceasefire agreement was reached with international mediation, facilitating the safe evacuation of civilians and fighters to northern and eastern Syria. The conflict in Aleppo highlights the ongoing challenges faced by President al-Sharah, who aims to unify Syria and integrate the SDF under state control, as promised in a March 2025 agreement.