DAMASCUS, Syria: Syrian forces, with the support of the United States military, have captured a senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader in eastern Syria, US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Saturday.
According to a CENTCOM statement, the operation took place near the town of al-Shuhayl in Deir ez-Zor province, where the SDF, assisted by US forces, apprehended Salah Mohammed al-Abdullah, described as an “ISIS cell leader.”
“The SDF-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to degrade ISIS networks and prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group in the region,” CENTCOM stated.
“CENTCOM forces enabled the SDF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence.”
During the raid, multiple weapons, including a 50 calibre sniper rifle, an AK-47 assault rifle, hand grenades, and various ammunition, were recovered, according to CENTCOM.
Syrian Democratic Forces, Enabled by CENTCOM Forces, Capture ISIS Cell Leader
On March 6, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), enabled by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, conducted a raid and captured Salah Mohammad Al-Abdullah, an ISIS cell leader in the vicinity of Shahil,… pic.twitter.com/kPbcyC4FGX
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 8, 2025
The SDF acknowledged CENTCOM’s support and reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating ISIS threats.
“These joint operations increase the level of security in the region and prevent ISIS cells from harming residents. Our forces affirm their firm and steadfast commitment to pursuing and eliminating ISIS cells through the strong partnership with the international coalition forces,” the SDF stated.
ISIS, which lost territorial control in 2019, has attempted to reassert its presence by exploiting the region’s instability.
The SDF has remained actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts to prevent the group’s resurgence.
In January, the SDF reported conducting nearly 100 operations against ISIS in 2024, leading to the capture of more than 270 suspects and the elimination of several high-ranking leaders.
