An ISIS fighter in Raqqa, Syria, in 2014. Photo: Reuters

The aim was to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not reconstitute itself in central Syria, CENTCOM said.

The US military has about 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, part of an international coalition to combat ISIS that was established in 2014.

On Monday the US Embassy in Syria urged American citizens to leave Syria immediately because of the unstable security situation and the risk of terrorist attacks. They were advised to be cautious, stay updated on developments that could affect their safety, and adjust travel plans as necessary.