U.S. Central Command

CENTCOM Forces Kill Senior ISIS Leader in Syria TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted an airstrike in northwest Syria, June 19, that resulted in the death of a senior ISIS leader. The precision strike killed Ali Husayn al-‘Ulaywi and is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to disrupt and eliminate terrorists seeking to attack Americans abroad or the U.S. homeland. CENTCOM forces continue to work alongside regional partners. “CENTCOM and our partners remain committed to rooting out remaining remnants of ISIS to ensure its enduring defeat,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “We will continue to defend the U.S. homeland, our service members, and allies and partners across the region.” @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter is refueled by a KC-130J Super Hercules while flying over the Middle East. CH-53 helicopters refuel using a probe-and-drogue system, allowing the aircraft to fly further distances without landing. @U_S_CENTCOM

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the Arabian Sea. Two aircraft carriers continue to operate in the Middle East as U.S. forces remain present and vigilant. @U_S_CENTCOM

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, held a series of townhalls with headquarters staff in Tampa last week. He highlighted mission achievements against ISIS and Iran during the first half of 2026 and thanked the team for continued commitment and dedication during recent operations. @U_S_CENTCOM

Two U.S. Air Force A-10 attack aircraft fly together over the Middle East during a routine patrol. U.S. forces continue to be present in the skies, on land, and at sea throughout the region. @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Sailor oversees flight operations from the tower aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the aircraft carrier continues to operate in the Arabian Sea. @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet is refueled over the Middle East by a KC-135 Stratotanker. U.S. forces continue to routinely patrol the skies. @U_S_CENTCOM

Statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander: @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets receive fuel while flying a patrol over the Middle East. U.S. forces in the region remain present and vigilant. @U_S_CENTCOM

Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's direction. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased. Our great Naval Ships will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Sailors prepare a MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter for take off aboard USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) in the Arabian Sea. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Sailors conduct M4 rifle qualification training aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) in the Red Sea. Training like this ensures Sailors are qualified to perform armed watch standing duties when needed. @U_S_CENTCOM

USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) completes a vertical replenishment-at-sea with USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205) while transiting the Arabian Sea, June 15. Replenishments-at-sea ensure Sailors receive supplies, mail, and other needed items without the ship having to pull into port. @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S Sailor aboard USS Milius (DDG 69) stands watch as the guided-missile destroyer transits regional waters supporting the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of June 14, CENTCOM forces have redirected 142 commercial ships that complied and disabled 9 vessels that did not comply. @U_S_CENTCOM

An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter lifts off from the flight deck of USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea in support of the blockade against Iran. As of June 13, CENTCOM forces have redirected 141 commercial vessels and disabled 9 to ensure compliance. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Navy fighter jets and command and control aircraft prepare to take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces continue to strictly enforce the blockade against Iran. CENTCOM has redirected 139 compliant commercial ships and disabled 9 non-compliant vessels since April 13. @U_S_CENTCOM

Today, CENTCOM completed its largest training exercise with central and south Asian nations. More than 350 military personnel from 10 countries and 10 U.S. National Guard units participated. The two-week event built relationships and fostered trust among partners. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Navy warships and air assets continue to patrol regional waters enforcing the blockade against Iran. As of today, U.S. forces have redirected 136 commercial vessels and disabled 9 to ensure compliance. @U_S_CENTCOM

The Strait of Hormuz remains open for transit. @U_S_CENTCOM