Amid escalating tensions across the Middle East, the U.S. and Israel have launched precision strikes against key members of ISIS and Hezbollah, signaling a renewed commitment to counterterrorism operations in Syria and Lebanon. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Friday that its forces had killed ISIS leader Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, along with his two adult sons, during a raid in al-Bab, Aleppo Governorate. The operation, conducted by U.S. troops working alongside SDF-backed special forces and Damascus security units, was intended to neutralize a critical threat to U.S. and Coalition forces, as well as the government of Syria. CENTCOM highlighted that the ISIS members targeted not only posed a danger to American and partner interests but were also linked to potential attacks on civilians. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based monitoring group, described the operation as the first of its kind, noting the involvement of multiple security forces without direct confirmation from Fox News Digital. Meanwhile, Israeli forces announced the killing of Hezbollah officer Ali Mohammad Hassan Qoutan, reportedly involved in rebuilding the group following its leadership loss after the death of Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024. The IDF reiterated its stance that Qoutan’s actions violated the agreements between Israel and Lebanon, emphasizing the ongoing instability in the region.
In recent weeks, the balance of power in the region has been increasingly influenced by the simultaneous conflicts involving Israel, Hezbollah, and broader regional actors. The U.S. military’s engagement in Syria has shifted from large-scale combat to more precise, targeted operations, reflecting a strategic adjustment to focus on neutralizing specific threats rather than pursuing large-scale military engagements. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, underscored the U.S. commitment to the