DID Press: US has announced joint military operations with Syrian forces against ISIS, as the US Congress moves to permanently lift sanctions on Damascus, a step Washington says could open the door to foreign investment in the war-ravaged country.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces have carried out several joint operations with the Syrian government, targeting ISIS positions and weapons caches. US officials described the actions as critical to preventing the group’s resurgence.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said US forces have “on multiple occasions” cooperated with Syrian authorities to counter specific ISIS threats. According to a CENTCOM statement, more than 15 ISIS weapons depots were identified and destroyed in southern Syria in November, eliminating large quantities of arms and explosives.
CENTCOM also reported that two senior ISIS commanders were killed in separate operations in July and September. Over the past six months, nearly 80 counterterrorism operations have been conducted in Syria, resulting in the arrest of 119 suspects and the killing of 14 ISIS members, the statement said.
In a parallel development, the US Congress approved legislation to permanently repeal sanctions imposed on Syria during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, effectively ending the 2019 Caesar Act. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, will take effect following President Donald Trump’s signature.
US officials say lifting the sanctions could facilitate Syria’s economic reconstruction and attract foreign investment, though analysts caution that such outcomes will depend on future political and security stability.
The reported cooperation between US forces and Syrian units under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been presented as part of the fight against terrorism. However, the development has also raised questions among observers about Washington’s broader objectives, particularly given al-Sharaa’s past militant background and his previous designation on US and UN terrorism lists.