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France Conducts Airstrikes Against Daesh in Syria for First Time Since Assad's Fall.
On December 31, 2024, the French Minister of Armed Forces announced that French aerial forces conducted targeted strikes on Daesh hideouts in central Syria on December 29, 2024. The operation, conducted as part of a coordinated international effort, deployed Rafale fighter jets and a MQ-9 Reaper drone. These aircraft, taking off from the French airbase at Prince-Hassan in Jordan, dropped seven bombs on two specific targets identified through intelligence.
Operation Inherent Resolve is an international military coalition launched in August 2014 and led by the United States to combat Daesh in Iraq and Syria (Picture source: French MoD)
France's commitment to combating terrorism in the Levant has been reinforced with these recent airstrikes against Daesh positions in Syria. According to Minister Sébastien Lecornu, these operations represent a significant contribution to the international coalition, "Operation Inherent Resolve," aimed at eradicating Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Strategically and symbolically, these strikes underscore France's resolve to maintain consistent pressure on Daesh.
Syria is currently undergoing a significant transitional period following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, after a swift offensive led by rebel groups, including Islamist factions. This development has resulted in heightened political instability, marked by power struggles among various factions. One such group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTC), has declared its intention to dissolve its armed units to integrate them into a future military institution. International actors, including Russia and the United States, maintain strategic presences in the country, shaping local and regional dynamics. The situation remains volatile, with significant challenges to achieving lasting stability and rebuilding the nation.
Operation Inherent Resolve is an international military coalition launched in August 2014 and led by the United States to combat Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Comprising more than 80 nations and partner organizations, the coalition aims to weaken and destroy Daesh's military, logistical, and economic capabilities while supporting local forces, including Iraqi and Kurdish troops. In Syria, operations have been ongoing since 2015, involving targeted airstrikes and assistance missions to diminish Daesh's control in the region. The coalition employs advanced technologies and coordinated strategies across air, land, and sea to stabilize liberated areas and prevent the resurgence of the terrorist organization.
Minister Lecornu emphasized the importance of this mission, recalling France's commitment to counterterrorism since 2014. In a message shared on the "X" platform, he stated, "Our armed forces remain engaged in the fight against terrorism in the Levant," accompanied by a video of the ongoing operations. This declaration highlights France’s sustained presence in the region and its intention to intensify efforts against the persistent threat posed by Daesh.
Since its inception, Operation Chammal, the French contribution to the coalition, has involved around 600 French personnel and various assets, including 10 Rafale aircraft, a frigate, an AWACS aircraft, a tanker, and a maritime patrol aircraft. This involvement is part of a broader strategy to support Iraqi forces and stabilize the region. Additionally, France contributes to other international missions, such as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with approximately 700 troops deployed along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
In this context, Minister Lecornu's official visit to Lebanon, accompanied by Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, reflects France's diplomatic and military engagement in the region. Discussions with General Joseph Aoun, Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, addressed regional challenges and bolstered bilateral cooperation.
By intensifying its airstrikes against Daesh and utilizing advanced technologies, France reaffirms its role as a key partner in multinational counterterrorism efforts. These actions, coordinated with allies, demonstrate France's commitment to combining military effectiveness with political engagement to address the persistent threats to regional and international security.