U.S. Central Command announced the successful killing of terrorist group senior leader Abu-Abd al-Rahman al-Makki in a targeted kinetic strike in Syria. Al-Makki was a council member and senior leader with Hurras al-Din, which is aligned with Al-Qaeda in Syria. He was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations in the Middle Eastern nation. General Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the commitment to the defeat of terrorists in the region who pose a threat to the United States, its allies, and regional stability.
Hurras al-Din, along with similar organizations, opposes the West and its allies, including the United States. The Pentagon noted a deepening cooperation and relationship between Russia and Iran in the region. In response to these tensions, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the re-positioning of U.S. military forces across the Middle East to support ally Israel. Resources such as the USS Abraham Lincoln, CVN-72, and its battle group were among those allocated to the region as part of this strategy shift.
The United States officially designated Hurras al-Din as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” under Executive Order 13224 in September 2019, highlighting the threat posed by the group and its alignment with Al-Qaeda in Syria. This designation reflects the U.S. government’s efforts to combat terrorist organizations in the region and safeguard national security interests. The targeted killing of al-Makki was a significant step in disrupting the leadership and operations of Hurras al-Din.
The re-positioning of U.S. military forces in the Middle East signifies a response to escalating tensions in the region, particularly in light of increased cooperation between Russia and Iran. The presence of U.S. forces, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and its battle group, aims to support regional allies and enhance security in the face of terrorist threats and geopolitical challenges. General Kurilla’s statement reaffirms the ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and promoting stability in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
The successful strike against al-Makki demonstrates the U.S. military’s continued efforts to target and neutralize key leaders of terrorist organizations in the region. By eliminating high-ranking figures like al-Makki, the U.S. aims to disrupt the command structure and operational capabilities of groups like Hurras al-Din. This targeted approach underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to defeating terrorists who pose a direct threat to the nation, its allies, and regional stability.
Overall, the U.S. military’s expanded presence in the Middle East and re-positioning of forces reflect a proactive response to growing regional tensions and security challenges. The killing of al-Makki and the designation of Hurras al-Din as a global terrorist organization underscore the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the region. The U.S. remains dedicated to countering these threats and safeguarding the interests of the United States, its allies, and partners in the Middle East.
