In a precise pre-dawn operation on August 19, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces carried out a successful raid in Atimah, northern Syria, targeting and killing a senior Islamic State (ISIS) figure who served as a key financier and was responsible for planning attacks across Syria and Iraq.
According to CENTCOM, the individual maintained extensive ties across ISIS networks in the region, posing “a direct threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as the new Syrian government.” Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, emphasized the enduring commitment of U.S. forces and allies to ensure ISIS’s lasting defeat and the protection of U.S. territory.
Operation Details
The operation was carried out quietly and efficiently:
- Time and Location: Roughly around 2:00 a.m. in the Idlib countryside near the Turkish border.
- Tactics Used: Helicopters and drones provided air support, while local Syrian forces secured the perimeter to ensure operational safety.
- Outcome: Both U.S. and coalition forces reported no casualties. There were also no civilian casualties reported.
Broader Strategic Context
The Atimah raid reflects the ongoing U.S. counterterrorism campaign across Syria and Iraq, aimed at eroding ISIS’s leadership and operational capacity. Recent operations include a July raid in Aleppo province that resulted in the elimination of a senior ISIS leader and two of his adult sons.
This region has long served as a refuge for ISIS leaders:
- Barisha, Idlib (2019): Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a U.S. operation.
- Atimah (2022): His successor Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi was also killed here.
These targeted efforts are part of Operation Inherent Resolve and other regional campaigns aimed at dismantling ISIS’s operational infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
While ISIS may have suffered significant leadership losses, experts warn that the organization remains resilient and capable of reconstituting under the right conditions.
As CENTCOM continues its tactical operations, the strategic focus remains on long-term regional stability and supporting Syrian allies to prevent any resurgence.
