WASHINGTON, June 24 (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The U.S. military conducted an airstrike in northwestern Syria last week that killed a senior Islamic State leader, U.S. Central Command stated on Wednesday. The operation took place on June 19, 2026, and targeted Ali Husayn al-Ulaywi.
The strike occurred near the village of Deir Hassan, situated close to the Turkish border. According to the official report, the targeted attack hit a motorcycle. This operation was part of what authorities described as ongoing efforts to disrupt and eliminate terrorists seeking to attack Americans abroad or the U.S. homeland.
This mission followed the full U.S. military withdrawal from the country in April 2026. The strike signals a transition to long-range, over-the-horizon counter-terrorism operations.
The Islamic State has declared a new phase of operations in Syria against the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, carrying out a spate of attacks since February. Last year, the government joined the U.S.-led coalition fighting the militant group. On Saturday, the group claimed responsibility for an attack near the city of Manbij in Syria’s northeastern Aleppo province.
Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, stated:
“The operation was part of a persistent initiative to target and dismantle terrorist operatives planning external attacks against American citizens and the U.S. homeland.”
Islamic State controlled around a quarter or more of Syria at the peak of its power during the civil war a decade ago. It was eventually driven out of the territory by a U.S.-led coalition and other regional foes. Current operations involve coordination with partners to manage the defeat of remaining sleeper cells as the regional security footprint continues to evolve.
