SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) provided in a statement an update on the Defeat ISIS Mission conducted in Iraq and Syria from January through March 2024. Collaborating closely with Iraqi Security Forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), CENTCOM revealed significant strides in countering the ISIS sleeper cells.
During this period, a total of 94 Defeat ISIS Missions were executed, resulting in the elimination of 18 ISIS operatives and the detention of 63 others. In Iraq, 66 partnered operations yielded the death of 11 ISIS members and the detention of 36 more. Meanwhile, in Syria, 28 joint operations led to the killing of seven ISIS militants and the apprehension of 27 individuals linked to the group.
Despite these accomplishments, CENTCOM asserts the battle against ISIS isn’t over. Approximately 2,500 ISIS fighters remain at large in Iraq and Syria, posing a persistent threat to regional and global security.
It also reveals the international efforts are ongoing to repatriate over 9,000 ISIS detainees held in Syrian detention facilities, along with the rehabilitation and reintegration of more than 45,000 individuals and families from the SDF-run camps such as Al Hol and Al Roj.
Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, emphasized the commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS.
“We are committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS because of the threat they pose both regionally and globally,” said Kurilla.
“We continue to focus our efforts on specifically targeting those members of ISIS who are seeking to conduct external operations outside of Iraq and Syria and those ISIS members attempting to break out ISIS members in detention in an attempt to reconstitute their forces.”
As the Defeat ISIS Mission progresses, CENTCOM says it remains resolute in its support to the United States efforts to neutralize the ISIS threat and ensure stability in the region.
