On July 25, 2025, U.S.-led forces conducted a raid in the town of al-Bab, located in Syria's Aleppo province, resulting in the death of senior ISIS leader Dhiya Zawba Muslih al-Hardan and his two adult sons, Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani.
The operation, which involved an airdrop, was supported by both Syrian government General Security forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the targets posed a threat to both coalition forces and the new Syrian government. The raid was executed without causing harm to civilians present at the site.
This action is part of ongoing efforts by U.S.-led forces to dismantle ISIS leadership structures in the region. General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, emphasized the commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists who threaten regional stability.
The operation also highlights the complex security dynamics in Syria, where various factions, including the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces, are engaged in efforts to stabilize the region. The collaboration between these groups underscores a shared objective of countering ISIS influence and promoting security.
The death of al-Hardan and his sons is viewed as a significant blow to ISIS operations in Syria. However, the broader challenge of addressing the group's influence and ensuring long-term stability in the region remains a complex endeavor.