Trump’s strategic pivot delivers a crushing blow to ISIS terrorists as U.S. and Syrian forces unite in an unprecedented joint operation, obliterating over 130 mortars, rockets, and massive weapon stockpiles that threatened American homeland security.
Story Highlights
- CENTCOM and Syrian forces destroyed 15+ ISIS weapon cache sites containing 130+ mortars and rockets
- First major joint U.S.-Syrian military operation under Trump’s renewed Middle East strategy
- Operation directly prevents ISIS from regenerating and exporting terrorist attacks to U.S. homeland
- Syria joins international anti-ISIS coalition as 90th partner, earning 180-day sanctions relief
Historic Counter-Terrorism Partnership Emerges
U.S. Central Command and Syrian Ministry of Interior forces conducted coordinated strikes across Rif Damashq province from November 24-27, 2025, marking the first major joint military action between American forces and Syria’s new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The operation targeted Islamic State weapon storage facilities through combined airstrikes and ground detonations, demonstrating unprecedented cooperation following Syria’s formal entry into the U.S.-led Coalition Against ISIS as its 90th partner.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander, emphasized the operation’s strategic importance, stating it “ensures gains made against ISIS are lasting and the group is not able to regenerate or export terrorist attacks to the U.S. homeland and around the world.” This represents Trump administration priorities of preventing terrorist threats from reaching American soil while building effective international partnerships.
Massive Weapons Cache Destruction Cripples ISIS Operations
The joint operation achieved devastating results against ISIS material capacity, destroying more than 15 weapon storage sites and eliminating over 130 mortars and rockets. Forces also confiscated and destroyed multiple assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and improvised explosive device materials that posed direct threats to civilian populations and regional stability.
Additionally, the operation uncovered and destroyed illicit drugs, eliminating a key funding source for terrorist operations. The comprehensive nature of the weapon cache destruction significantly degrades ISIS’s ability to conduct conventional military operations or asymmetric attacks against innocent civilians, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated counter-terrorism efforts under strong American leadership.
Strategic Diplomacy Delivers Tangible Security Results
The successful operation validates President Trump’s diplomatic engagement with President al-Sharaa, which included high-level meetings in Washington focused on Syria joining international anti-ISIS efforts.
In exchange for Syria’s commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation, the Trump administration temporarily suspended Caesar sanctions for 180 days, providing economic incentives while achieving concrete security objectives that protect American interests.
Syria’s formal accession to the international coalition in December 2025 creates a framework for sustained counter-terrorism operations, with Admiral Cooper committing to “remain vigilant and continue to aggressively pursue ISIS remnants in Syria.”
This partnership represents a fundamental shift from Syria’s previous isolation to active participation in U.S.-led security frameworks, demonstrating how principled American leadership can achieve results through strategic engagement rather than endless military commitments.
Sources:
U.S., Syrian Forces Locate and Destroy ISIS Weapons Caches in Southern Syria
CENTCOM, Syrian forces destroy over 15 ISIS weapon storage facilities
Syria joins international coalition against ISIS as 90th partner
CENTCOM conducts joint operation with Syrian army against ISIS weapon caches
Joint US-Syrian forces target ISIS weapons facilities in southern Syria
