U.S. troops and Syrian security personnel destroyed more than a dozen ISIS weapons sites last week in their first major joint military operation since the Nov. 10 White House visit by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
From Nov. 24-27, the U.S. and Syrian forces launched a series of airstrikes and ground attacks on more than 15 weapons caches throughout the Rif Damashq province in southern Syria.
The combined operation destroyed more than 130 mortars and rockets, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and several assault rifles. They also uncovered material used for constructing improvised explosive devices, U.S. Central Command officials said.
“This successful operation ensures gains made against ISIS are lasting, and the group is not able to regenerate or export terrorist attacks to the U.S. homeland and around the world,” Adm. Brad Cooper, U.S. Central Command commander, said in a statement.
“We will remain vigilant and continue to aggressively pursue ISIS remnants in Syria,” Adm. Cooper said.
Following last month’s meeting between Mr. al-Sharaa and President Trump, a Syrian government official announced that Damascus signed a “political cooperation declaration” with the U.S.-led coalition to combat ISIS.
“Cooperation between Syrian forces and U.S. troops is a positive signal that Syria is working to become a counterterrorism partner. But, at the same time, Damascus must ensure that radical elements within its ranks are removed,” said Ahmad Sharawi, a research analyst with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.
He said the process of integrating the various militia groups in Syria into a national army was rushed and created “undisciplined factions that do not follow orders.”
“If this counterterrorism relationship is to continue, Syria must focus on reforming its security apparatus and removing any radical forces,” Mr. Sharawi said.
