U.S. and coalition forces have successfully captured an ISIS leader in Syria for his involvement in aiding Islamic State terrorists. The leader, Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, was apprehended by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after it was discovered that he had been assisting the terrorist organization in freeing detained militant fighters and reviving ISIS.
Al-Dandal, identified as an 'ISIS facilitator' by CENTCOM, was found to have helped five ISIS terrorists escape from the Raqqah Detention Facility. While two of the militants have been recaptured, three others, including individuals from Russia and Afghanistan, remain at large.
CENTCOM General Michael Erik Kurilla expressed concern over the approximately 9,000 ISIS detainees still held in SDF facilities, emphasizing the potential threat posed by their escape. Efforts are underway to repatriate these fighters to their respective countries for legal proceedings.
In a separate operation in Western Iraq, U.S. and Iraqi forces targeted ISIS leaders, resulting in the death of 15 terrorists. This action aimed to disrupt ISIS' ability to plan and execute attacks in the region.
Dr. Rebecca Grant, from the Lexington Institute, highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat ISIS, citing over 200 operations conducted this year alone. She praised the 'Defeat ISIS Mission' as a significant success in countering the terrorist group's resurgence.
During the recent operation, seven U.S. soldiers sustained injuries, with five personnel wounded and two others injured in falls. All injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition.
CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with coalition partners in the Middle East to eliminate ISIS and promote stability in the region.
