This rapid fall of Assad's regime surprised both U.S. and Middle Eastern officials, following military losses for Hezbollah and reduced support from Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Biden described the collapse of Assad's regime as a 'fundamental act of justice,' while acknowledging the risks and uncertainties this situation brings to the Middle East.

U.S. officials are also concerned about Assad's chemical weapons arsenal and are collaborating with regional partners to address this potential threat.

Approximately 140 munitions were deployed in these strikes, aimed at disrupting and degrading ISIS to prevent the group from exploiting the ongoing instability.

Looking ahead, U.S. officials stress that the future of Syria should be determined by the Syrian people, rather than a Washington-led initiative.

The recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime marks a significant turning point in the Syrian conflict, as rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, captured Damascus, prompting Assad to flee to Moscow.

Outgoing National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reiterated the U.S. commitment to combat ISIS and support regional allies in the wake of these significant developments.

In response to the regime's collapse, U.S. Air Force jets conducted extensive airstrikes on December 8, targeting over 75 Islamic State positions in central Syria.

Initial assessments indicate that the airstrikes were successful and did not result in civilian casualties, with battle damage assessments currently ongoing.

General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized that the U.S. will not allow ISIS to regain strength and warned that any organizations in Syria collaborating with ISIS will be held accountable.

Despite the political upheaval, around 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria, working alongside local forces like the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to combat ISIS.

President Joe Biden confirmed that the airstrikes were a proactive measure to prevent ISIS from taking advantage of the power vacuum left by Assad's ouster.