In a bold reentry into the Syrian conflict, France has carried out airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) positions in central Syria, marking its first such operation since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced the strikes on Tuesday, emphasizing France’s ongoing commitment to counterterrorism in the Levant.
“Our armed forces remain engaged in battling terrorism in the Levant,” Lecornu wrote on X during a New Year’s visit to French UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. “On Sunday, French air assets carried out targeted strikes against Daesh on Syrian soil,” he added, referring to IS by its Arabic name.
Precision Strikes in Central Syria
The French Defense Ministry disclosed that Rafale fighter jets and US-manufactured Reaper drones conducted the mission, releasing seven precision bombs on two IS military targets. The strikes are part of France’s participation in the US-led Inherent Resolve coalition, which has been combating IS in Iraq since 2014 and in Syria since 2015.
French troops supporting these operations are strategically stationed across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates.
ISIS Regrouping Amid Chaos
The strikes come as Syria faces a volatile power vacuum following the fall of Assad’s regime to a coalition of Syrian rebels, including radical Sunni groups. Observers warn that this upheaval could provide fertile ground for IS to regroup and regain strength in the region.
Despite the collapse of its self-proclaimed caliphate in 2019, IS has maintained its presence in both Iraq and Syria, exploiting instability to stage sporadic attacks and rebuild networks.
US Presence and Escalation
The United States, a key player in the anti-IS coalition, has also ramped up its presence in the region. In December, Washington announced it had doubled its troop numbers in Syria to approximately 2,000, with a mission focused on preventing IS from reconstituting in central Syria.
Additionally, 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq to support ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
A Renewed Focus on Counterterrorism
France’s strikes highlight a renewed focus on combating IS in a region destabilized by war and shifting alliances. Lecornu’s statement underscores Paris’s determination to prevent the group from exploiting the current situation to reestablish its foothold.
As the international coalition intensifies its operations, the global community watches closely, knowing the resurgence of IS could have far-reaching consequences for regional and global security.