US strike eliminates Islamic State leader in Syria amid escalated military action

The United States military announced the elimination of a senior Islamic State (IS) group leader, "Abu Yusif," and another operative in a precision strike conducted in Syria's Deir Ezzor province.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, is part of Washington's intensified efforts to dismantle the jihadist group following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized its commitment to disrupting and degrading terrorist activities. "This airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing efforts, alongside regional partners, to prevent IS from organizing and conducting attacks," the command said.

The fall of Damascus to rebel forces earlier this month has shifted the dynamics in Syria, allowing US forces to target areas previously shielded by Syrian and Russian air defenses. Since the regime's collapse, American forces have launched a series of strikes, including one on December 8 that targeted over 75 IS positions to thwart any attempts by the group to reestablish itself in central Syria.

Monday's operations killed 12 IS militants in zones formerly under regime and Russian control, highlighting the strategic shift in targeting previously inaccessible regions.

In a related development, the US revealed it has significantly increased its troop presence in Syria, doubling the number to approximately 2,000 personnel in recent months. This marks a notable escalation in efforts to prevent a resurgence of IS.

For years, the US has maintained a smaller contingent in Syria as part of an international coalition against IS, which once controlled vast territories in Syria and Iraq before being defeated by local forces supported by a US-led air campaign.