A raid conducted by US forces on August 19 resulted in the death of a senior member of the Islamic State in Atmeh, located in northwest Syria’s Idlib province. The operation was confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which described the individual as a key financier involved in planning attacks across Syria and Iraq. This action reflects the ongoing commitment of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) to combat ISIS and bolster regional stability.
According to CENTCOM, the targeted individual posed a significant threat to US and Coalition forces, as well as the newly established Syrian Government. “We will continue to pursue ISIS terrorists with unwavering determination throughout the region,” stated Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of CENTCOM. The operation highlights the persistent efforts of the US-led coalition to dismantle the remnants of ISIS in a complex security landscape.
Initial reports from the Associated Press indicated that the operation may have captured Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi, an Iraqi citizen believed to be a commander within the Islamic State. The claim of capturing a high-ranking official was attributed to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. However, CENTCOM’s official statement did not confirm the capture of any individual nor did it identify the target as the Islamic State’s top commander.
Syrian state media provided further details, citing an unnamed security official who identified the deceased as Salah Noman, an Iraqi man living with his family at the time of the raid. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as various reports circulate regarding the identities of those involved.
The raid in Atmeh is not the first of its kind in the region. In February 2022, the Pentagon announced the death of former Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al Hashimi al Qurayshi during a similar operation in Atmeh. Al Qurayshi had reportedly detonated an explosive device as US forces closed in, resulting in his death along with several family members. His rise to power followed the death of Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, who was killed in a US raid in Idlib in 2019.
The current landscape in northwest Syria, particularly around Atmeh, is influenced by various armed groups. Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) has historically controlled the area, which has become a haven for several key Islamic State leaders. The dynamics of power in the region have shifted markedly since HTS led an offensive that resulted in the toppling of the Bashar al Assad regime in December 2024, with Ahmed al Sharaa emerging as the transitional president of Syria.
As the US military adjusts its strategy in Syria and Iraq, the operations against ISIS are evolving. On July 22, 2023, the CJTF-OIR transferred command to US Army Brigadier General Kevin J. Lambert, indicating a renewed focus on bilateral security arrangements in the region. Following this, a raid in Al Bab governorate near Aleppo resulted in the death of senior ISIS leader Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani and two of his adult sons.
The ongoing US-led campaign against ISIS continues to adapt to the shifting political landscape in Syria. Collaboration with anti-ISIS partner forces, such as the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Free Army, remains a critical component of this strategy. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure a lasting defeat of the Islamic State while navigating the complexities of regional governance and security.