US Forces Capture ISIS Attack Facilitator in Syria Helicopter Raid

A mural bears the logo of the ISIS terrorist group in the village of Albu Sayf, Iraq, on March 1, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. Central Command troops carried out a helicopter operation in eastern Syria, late in the evening on April 8, and captured Hudayfah al Yemeni, an “ISIS attack facilitator,” and two of his companions. No civilians were hurt or killed.

The organization’s capacity to plan and carry out actions will be hampered by the detention of al Yemeni and his associates, according to Central Command’s April 12 press release.

“Operations against ISIS are important for the security and stability of the region,” said Col. Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesperson.

“ISIS remains a threat to the region and beyond—the group retains the capability to conduct operations in Iraq and Syria with a desire to strike beyond the Middle East, and its vile ideology remains a threat. Operations such as this one reaffirms our commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS.”

U.S. Central Command, along with its coalition and other partners, conducted a total of 37 “D-ISIS” operations against the terror group in March 2023.

According to a recent report by the military website, these movements resulted in the death of nine ISIS operatives and the detention of 18 others. The report reflects the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism by the United States and its allies.

The majority of these undertakings took place in Iraq, with 28 partnered operations and no U.S.-only operations. In Syria, there were nine partnered operations and no U.S.-only operations. The military moves in Iraq and Syria targeted ISIS members responsible for planning attacks, including plans to attack ISIS detention facilities in Syria.

Of the 18 detained ISIS militants, at least eight were found to have been involved in the planning of the attacks inside Iraq and Syria.

These actions were conducted under the authority of the CENTCOM commander, who has retained authority for acts against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. They were carried out by the Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve, with the assistance of local partners who play a vital role in the fight against terrorism.

In Iraq, CENTCOM troops work alongside Iraqi Security Forces, including the Kurdish Peshmerga, to combat ISIS. In Syria, CENTCOM partners with the Syrian Democratic Forces to continue the fight against the terror group.

The report highlights the competence, professionalism, and dedication of these local partners, which allows for continued pressure against the group.

“The fight against ISIS continues,” said Buccino, according to the group’s press release.

“Though its capability is degraded, ISIS retains the ability to direct and inspire attacks in the region and abroad.”