The U.S. announces airstrikes on ISIL targets in Syria following the fall of al-Assad.

 

The United States has conducted numerous airstrikes on ISIL (ISIS) targets in Syria after the unexpected fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

On Sunday, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it had targeted over 75 sites, including ISIL (ISIS) leaders, operatives, and camps, to prevent the armed group from capitalizing on the end of al-Assad’s rule.

CENTCOM announced it is assessing the damage from the strikes, which involved warplanes such as the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, with no reported civilian casualties.

“There should be no doubt—we will not allow ISIS to regroup and exploit the current situation in Syria,” said CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla in a statement.

“All groups in Syria should understand that we will hold them accountable if they collaborate with or support ISIS in any capacity.”

The strikes occurred as outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden referred to al-Assad’s fall as a “moment of risk” and a “historic opportunity.”

In a televised address from the White House, Biden stated that al-Assad’s fall at the hands of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) presents an opportunity for Syria’s long-suffering citizens to “build a better future for their proud country.”

“It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty. As we consider what comes next, the United States will collaborate with our partners and stakeholders in Syria to help them seize this opportunity while managing the risks,” Biden said.

Claiming partial credit for al-Assad’s downfall, Biden noted that a decline in support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah had facilitated his removal. 

“For years, the main backers of Assad have been Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. However, in the past week, their support has collapsed—all three are now much weaker than they were when I took office,” Biden explained.

The abrupt end of 53 years of al-Assad family rule has created uncertainty regarding the security situation in the Middle East, particularly concerning the presence of approximately 900 U.S. troops in Syria.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who reduced the number of U.S. troops in Syria by half during his first term after being advised against a complete withdrawal, indicated on Saturday that his administration would not engage in any conflict in the country.

“Syria is a mess, but is not our friend,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, emphasizing his point in all capital letters: “THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”

In his first public appearance since capturing Damascus, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani, a former head of al-Qaeda's Syrian branch, called al-Assad’s downfall an opportunity to transform Syria into a “beacon for the Islamic nation” and the start of a “new history” for the region.

“God will not fail you,” al-Julani declared in a victory speech at the iconic Umayyad Mosque in the Syrian capital.

“This victory belongs to all Syrians; everyone played a role in this achievement.”