WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. military forces conducted a successful counterterrorism raid in northern Syria last week, killing a senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader responsible for financing operations and planning attacks across Syria and Iraq. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the individual maintained extensive connections throughout ISIS’s regional network and posed a direct threat to U.S. forces, coalition partners, and the newly established Syrian government.
“He had relationships throughout the ISIS network in the region, posing a direct threat to the U.S. and coalition forces and the new Syrian government,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson during Friday’s Weekly Sitrep video briefing. “We will continue to pursue ISIS terrorists with unwavering determination throughout the region to ensure our lasting defeat of ISIS and the protection of the U.S. homeland.”
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper reaffirmed the U.S. military’s ongoing commitment to the mission of eradicating ISIS and stabilizing the region. The operation reflects Washington’s sustained focus on counterterrorism even as broader strategic priorities shift toward great power competition.
White House Declares Crime Emergency in Washington, D.C.
The successful raid in Syria comes amid heightened security measures at home. Earlier this month, President Donald J. Trump declared a crime emergency in the nation’s capital, citing rising violence and public safety concerns. The declaration mobilized National Guard forces to support local and federal law enforcement under the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, part of Joint Task Force District of Columbia.
“Under President Trump and [Defense] Secretary [Pete] Hegseth’s leadership, the DOD is dedicated to addressing the lawlessness and crime in our nation’s capital,” Wilson said. “We will restore the beauty, honor, and greatness of Washington, D.C.”
Leadership Visits National Guard Personnel
On August 20, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited deployed National Guard units at Union Station to express their appreciation.
“[These guardsmen are] here because they’re patriots who serve the country and believe we deserve a beautiful, safe capital,” Hegseth said. “When I talk to all these people, they’re proud of this mission [and] they’re proud to be a part of making sure the rule of law is established. … It’s an honor to be here with you.”
Later in the week, Hegseth visited the D.C. Armory to meet with approximately 300 National Guard service members mobilized under the emergency declaration. He praised their sacrifice and dedication: “Thank you for what you’re doing. I know you’re away from your families, your spouses [and] your kids as a result [of the mobilization], but I think you’re on the frontlines of safeguarding our nation and setting an example for the country.”
Expanding the Guard’s Role
As of Friday, about 2,000 National Guard personnel have been mobilized to support security operations in Washington, D.C. The deployment includes units from West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, alongside roughly 930 guardsmen from the D.C. National Guard.
The combined efforts highlight a dual focus by the administration: maintaining a strong counterterrorism presence abroad while addressing rising security challenges within the United States. With expanded resources deployed both overseas and at home, federal officials underscored their intent to protect American interests and restore public safety.
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