US Strikes Amplify Efforts Against ISIS Threat in Syria
Amid a turbulent power vacuum in Syria, the United States has ramped up its military operations against Isis, aiming to thwart the group’s resurgence. Over the past two weeks, the US military has conducted more than 75 airstrikes, targeting Isis camps, leadership hubs, and critical infrastructure. These strikes, among the most intense in years, have eliminated at least 12 militants, with the targeted regions including areas previously held by the former regime and Russian forces.
The sudden intensification of military activity follows the dramatic collapse of the Assad regime, which has left Syria in disarray. The US, concerned that Isis might exploit this instability, has acted swiftly to prevent the group from reconstituting its power. Reports from the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) highlight the ongoing risk of Isis regrouping amidst the vacuum of authority left in the fractured nation.
This operation is part of a broader strategy to stabilize Syria, where Isis has remained a lingering threat despite losing its territorial hold. The group’s recent activities demonstrate its growing ability to adapt, making it vital for international forces to step up their efforts.
The Complex Terrain of Post-Regime Syria
Syria was once a cornerstone of Isis’s so-called “caliphate,” a region stretching across Iraq and Syria that the group claimed during its peak. Although international coalitions dismantled Isis’s territorial control by 2019, the group continues to operate through hidden networks and sleeper cells. Syria now houses thousands of Isis-linked individuals, including fighters, detainees in prisons, and family members confined in camps. These environments remain hotspots for potential radicalization and unrest.
Estimates from Centcom suggest there are currently 2,500 active Isis fighters across Syria and Iraq. In Syria, the group’s activities are concentrated in central and eastern desert regions—areas characterized by fragmented control between US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and remnants of the former regime. The SDF, a coalition dominated by Kurdish militants, has been instrumental in the fight against Isis and continues to serve as the US’s main ally in the region.
However, the power dynamics within Syria have grown increasingly complex. The collapse of the Assad regime has created a chaotic environment where various factions and foreign actors are pursuing their own interests. Among these is Turkey, which has emerged as a dominant player. Ankara’s strategic focus is on weakening Kurdish forces within the SDF, which it sees as an extension of separatist movements threatening its territorial integrity.
Turkey’s military presence in northern Syria, combined with its backing of the Syrian National Army (SNA), has further complicated the situation. The SNA, bolstered by its coordination with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham during the offensive that ousted Assad, has capitalized on the turmoil to expand its operations. This has placed the US in a precarious position, as it navigates its dual responsibilities of maintaining peace between a NATO ally and supporting the SDF in countering Isis.
Persistent Threat of ISIS and Rising Activities
Despite losing its territorial strongholds, Isis has proven its resilience and ability to adapt. In 2024, the group has shifted its focus to more complex and coordinated attacks. These include ambushes on key targets, assassinations of opposition figures, and assaults on strategic facilities such as oil and gas sites. Conflict monitors have tracked a noticeable uptick in Isis activities this year, signaling a renewed push by the group to destabilize the region.
The group’s operations are not limited to Syria and Iraq. Isis continues to expand its influence through affiliated networks in Asia and Africa, making it a global threat. However, Syria remains a critical battleground, not only due to the presence of Isis fighters but also because of the thousands of detainees and family members held in camps and prisons. These facilities pose a significant risk, as they could serve as breeding grounds for future unrest if not adequately managed.
Data from Centcom and other monitoring organizations paint a troubling picture. In the first half of 2024 alone, Isis claimed responsibility for 153 attacks in Syria—a number expected to more than double by the end of the year. Analysts believe these claims represent only a fraction of the group’s actual activities. In reality, Isis’s impact on the ground is far greater, with its operations growing in sophistication and reach.
The militant group’s resurgence in Syria is exacerbated by the fragmented nature of the country’s post-Assad political landscape. The lack of a unified authority has allowed Isis to exploit the instability, while competing agendas among foreign actors further complicate efforts to bring lasting stability to the region. For now, the battle against Isis continues as a high-stakes mission requiring constant vigilance and coordination.