Official press releases from U.S. Central Command or verified news reports

U.S. CENTCOM Airstrike Kills ISIS Leader Abu Yusif in Syria

Dec 20, 2024, 03:58 PM

On December 19, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision drone airstrike in Syria's Deir ez-Zor province, killing ISIS leader Abu Yusif, also known as Mahmud, along with another ISIS operative. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Islamic State activities and prevent the group's resurgence in the region. CENTCOM stated, 'ISIS has the intent to break out of detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in facilities in Syria... We will aggressively target.'