### Major Counterterrorism Operation in Syria: Senior ISIS Leaders Neutralized - On December 25, 2025, Syrian authorities announced the successful execution of a counterterrorism operation that resulted in the killing of a senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader and the arrest of another operative near Damascus. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, highlighting ongoing international efforts to combat terrorism in the region [https://www.cp24.com/news/world/2025/12/25/syria-says-senior-isis-leader-killed-arrests-operative-near-damascus]. ### Breakdown of the Operation and Its Implications 1. **Operation Details**: - The operation was described as a "precise security operation" by Syrian officials, emphasizing its strategic planning and execution [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/12/26/syria-says-kills-senior-is-leader-arrests-operative-near-damascus]. - Key figures involved included Mohammad Shahada, known as 'Abu Omar Shaddad', who was killed, and Taha al-Zoubi, also known as 'Abu Omar Tabiya', who was arrested along with several associates [https://24newshd.tv/25-Dec-2025/syria-says-killed-senior-leader]. 2. **Context of the Operation**: - This operation follows a recent attack on December 13 that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian, attributed to an ISIS gunman in Palmyra. In response, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS positions, which killed five members of the group [https://24newshd.tv/25-Dec-2025/syria-says-killed-senior-leader]. - Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Washington in November marked Syria's official alignment with the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, indicating a shift in the country's counterterrorism strategy [https://24newshd.tv/25-Dec-2025/syria-says-killed-senior-leader]. 3. **Seizures During the Operation**: - During the raid, Syrian forces reportedly seized an explosive suicide belt and military-grade weapons, underscoring the potential threat posed by the arrested operatives [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/isis-leader-for-damascus-arrested-in-operation-supported-by-us-led-coalition]. ### Evidence Supporting the Operation's Success - **Key Metrics**: - **Leaders Neutralized**: 1 killed (Abu Omar Shaddad), 1 arrested (Abu Omar Tabiya). - **Weapons Seized**: Explosive suicide belt and military-grade weapons. - **Coalition Involvement**: Operation conducted in coordination with the U.S.-led coalition, indicating a collaborative approach to counterterrorism [https://ifpnews.com/syria-says-captured-senior-is-militant-in-damascus]. ### Conclusion: A Significant Step in Counterterrorism Efforts - The recent operations in Syria represent a **critical advancement in the fight against ISIS**, showcasing effective collaboration between Syrian forces and the U.S.-led coalition. - **Key Findings**: 1. The killing of a prominent ISIS leader and the arrest of another operative demonstrate the operational capabilities of Syrian security forces. 2. The seizure of weapons during the operation highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISIS in the region. 3. The alignment of Syria with international efforts against ISIS marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of counterterrorism in the Middle East. This operation not only aims to dismantle ISIS's leadership but also serves as a message of resilience and cooperation in the face of terrorism [https://www.anews.com.tr/middle-east/2025/12/25/syria-says-isis-leader-captured-in-joint-operation-in-damascus-countryside].