In a significant development, the U.S. military successfully targeted and neutralized ISIS leader Usamah al-Muhajir in an airstrike executed in eastern Syria on Friday. This operation, confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday, utilized MQ-9 Reaper drones, the same aircraft that encountered harassment from Russian warplanes in the region on the same day.

CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla emphasized the U.S. commitment to defeating ISIS, stating, "ISIS remains a threat, not only to the region but well beyond." While no civilian casualties were reported, an investigation into a potential civilian injury is ongoing.

This operation follows a series of targeted strikes against ISIS leadership in Syria, including the 2019 operation that eliminated Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Since then, ISIS operations have primarily been conducted through dispersed cells.

The same MQ-9 drones involved in the airstrike were subject to repeated harassment by Russian SU-35 fighter jets throughout the preceding week. These Russian aircraft flew dangerously close to the drones, necessitating evasive maneuvers to prevent collisions.

Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the 9th Air Force and Combined Forces Air Component Commander for CENTCOM, condemned the Russian actions, describing them as "unsafe and unprofessional." He reported that Russian aircraft deployed flares in front of the drones and flew dangerously close, jeopardizing the safety of all aircraft involved. This incident marks the second such occurrence within a 24-hour period, with a prior incident reported on Wednesday.

The U.S. military has called on Russian forces in Syria to cease these reckless actions and adhere to professional air force standards, allowing the U.S. to focus on the continued fight against ISIS. Approximately 900 U.S. troops are currently deployed in Syria, primarily supporting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in their efforts against ISIS militants.