What's happened
The US military has carried out 10 air strikes against ISIS targets in Syria between February 3 and 12, hitting infrastructure and weapons sites. Over 50 ISIS members have been killed or captured since December 13, and the US has transferred more than 5,700 detainees from Syria to Iraq amid ongoing military operations.
What's behind the headline?
The recent US strikes demonstrate a continued commitment to targeting ISIS infrastructure and leadership, despite shifting regional dynamics. The transfer of detainees to Iraq signals a strategic move to consolidate ISIS-related prisoners away from Kurdish-led forces, amid deteriorating US-Kurdish relations. The withdrawal from Al-Tanf indicates a broader US effort to reduce its military presence in Syria, aligning with Damascus's push for greater control. This shift could weaken US influence but also reduce regional tensions. The ongoing military pressure suggests ISIS remains a threat, but the focus is now on containment and legal proceedings rather than territorial combat. The US's actions reflect a balancing act between counterterrorism and regional diplomacy, with future stability depending on Iraq's capacity to manage detainees and Syria's political trajectory.
What the papers say
Contrasting perspectives emerge between the US military, which emphasizes ongoing operational success and threat containment, and Syrian authorities, who highlight the loss of US strategic positions like Al-Tanf. The New Arab reports that the US has conducted multiple strikes and transferred detainees, framing it as a relentless effort against ISIS. The Independent echoes this, noting the killing or capture of over 50 ISIS members and the targeting of infrastructure. Conversely, AP News and the Syrian Defense Ministry focus on the US withdrawal from Al-Tanf, framing it as a significant shift in US policy and regional influence. The US aims to portray its actions as necessary for security, while Syria and Russia view the US withdrawal as a loss of influence and a step back from regional stability efforts.
How we got here
Following the territorial defeat of ISIS in Syria in 2019, US forces maintained a presence at the Al-Tanf base, which played a key role in operations against ISIS. Recent tensions arose after Damascus regained control of the base and surrounding areas, prompting the US to withdraw from Al-Tanf and transfer detainees to Iraq at Baghdad's request. The US aims to sustain pressure on ISIS remnants while adjusting its military footprint in the region.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are US Military Strikes Still Happening in Syria?
The US continues to carry out military operations in Syria against ISIS, even years after the territorial defeat of the group. Many wonder why these strikes are ongoing and what the US aims to achieve. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the continued US military presence, recent actions, and what it means for regional stability. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about US actions in Syria today.
-
What’s next for Syria after recent peace deals?
Recent agreements between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces have marked a significant shift in the country's ongoing conflict. While these developments aim to unify Syrian territory and reduce violence, many questions remain about the future stability of the region. Will peace hold? How will regional and international players influence Syria’s path forward? Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for Syria’s future.
-
Why Is the US Still Active in Syria and Iraq?
The US continues military operations in Syria and Iraq, focusing on countering ISIS and stabilizing the region. But why is the US still involved, and what are its main goals? Many wonder how these actions impact local civilians and what the future holds for US involvement in the Middle East. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding US military strategy in this complex region.
More on these topics
-
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and the third-largest city in the Arab world after Cairo and Riyadh. Located along the Tigris River, the city was founded in the 8th century, and became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate.
-
Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.