Three top ISIS operatives were killed in Syria on Friday as part of an ongoing U.S. effort to prevent the terrorist group from rebuilding power in the Middle East.
The raid, carried out by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, a senior Islamic State leader, and his two adult sons — Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani — all confirmed ISIS operatives.
The operation took place in al-Bab, in Syria’s Aleppo Governorate, an area long exploited by jihadist groups amid political instability.
“These ISIS individuals posed a threat to U.S. and Coalition Forces, as well as the new Syrian Government,” CENTCOM posted on X.
Importantly, no American personnel were harmed, and three women and three children present at the location were left unharmed, the Pentagon confirmed.
General Kurilla: “ISIS Has No Safe Haven”
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists wherever they are,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM Commander.
“ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate, and where they hide.”
Kurilla reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the “enduring defeat” of ISIS, in coordination with regional partners.
Trump’s ISIS Eradication Campaign Lives On
The Islamic State lost its stronghold across the Middle East during President Trump’s first term, thanks to aggressive, America First counterterror operations.
Despite a weakened ISIS, U.S. leaders remain concerned the group could exploit the post-Assad vacuum in Syria to mount a comeback.
Trump has thrown his support behind Syria’s new regime, led by Ahmed al-Shara, and backed continued military pressure to stop any jihadist resurgence.
Syria, U.S., and France Pledge Cooperation
Following the raid, Syria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed a joint agreement between Syrian, U.S., and French officials to cooperate against terrorism and strengthen Syria’s national institutions to handle security threats.
“There should be no doubt — we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute,” Kurilla said.
“We will hold all organizations accountable that partner with or support ISIS.”
Pentagon: U.S. Staying Vigilant
“CENTCOM will continue to carry out operations to degrade ISIS capabilities,” said former Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh in December.
“The goal is to ensure ISIS can never reestablish a safe haven in Syria.”
The raid in al-Bab is the latest signal that the U.S. remains committed to crushing Islamic terror networks — a mission revived under President Trump’s return to office.
