The United States has announced the arrest of a senior ISIS leader during operations conducted at the end of May in Iraq and Syria as part of the international coalition’s efforts against the extremist group.

U.S. Military Statement

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, the U.S. military participated in six operations — five in Iraq and one in Syria —which resulted in the killing of militants and the capture of two individuals, including a high-ranking ISIS leader in Iraq, whose identity has not been disclosed.

Joint Operations with Partner Forces

CENTCOM added that the operations were conducted alongside U.S. partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by Kurdish fighters, and the Iraqi Army.

Background on ISIS Presence in Iraq & Syria

The ISIS militant group seized large territories in Iraq and Syria in 2014, declaring the establishment of its self-proclaimed "Islamic Caliphate." However, the group was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and ousted from Syria in 2019.