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CENTCOM Kills Top ISIS Commander In Al-Bab Helicopter Raid

Today's Headlines

July 25, 2025| 12:00 EST-19:00 LEVANT

SYRIA

  1. CENTCOM Kills Top ISIS Commander In Al-Bab Helicopter Raid

At dawn July 25, U.S. Central Command forces executed a helicopter raid in central Al-Bab, Aleppo province, killing senior ISIS leader Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani and his two adult sons, Abdallah and Abd al-Rahman, both confirmed ISIS operatives. The trio had been directly involved in operational threats to U.S. and Coalition forces as well as the new Syrian government. CENTCOM troops infiltrated the target building, neutralized the three men, and safely extracted, leaving three women and three children at the site unharmed. Syrian Civil Defense recovered the bodies, and local sources confirmed intense air activity and gunfire during the 20-minute operation. General Kurilla declared that ISIS operatives are not safe “where they sleep, operate, or hide,” reaffirming CENTCOM’s resolve to pursue ISIS globally. This is the first confirmed U.S. airdrop operation in northern Syria this year and a strategic blow to ISIS’s operational continuity in Turkish-occupied zones.

  1. Israel–Syria Ceasefire Brokered in Paris, Key Details Unverified

Israeli Minister Ron Dermer met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Paris on July 24 for a four-hour U.S.-mediated session. Israel approved short-term Syrian troop reentry on July 19 to stabilize the area, while Bedouin fighters began withdrawing from Druze villages. U.S. envoy Thomas Barak confirmed both sides signaled openness to continued talks. Media reports claim the deal includes U.S. monitoring, civilian councils in Sweida, and disarmament of Quneitra and Daraa, but these terms remain unverified. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was cited as a source, but no official confirmation has been found from credible outlets or UN bodies. Assertions that Syrian state institutions are banned from Sweida, or that the U.S. will oversee governance, remain unconfirmed and likely exaggerated. The ceasefire is real; the sweeping enforcement terms are not independently substantiated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared during a memorial for Ze’ev Jabotinsky that Israel “will not abandon the Druze” and will work to disarm the region south of Damascus. Separately, the United States and France announced they are cooperating to ensure the success of the transitional government in Damascus. Their joint statement emphasized preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, preventing shared regional threats, and supporting Syrian-led reconciliation—particularly in northeast Syria and Suwayda. A new round of talks between Damascus and the SDF is expected soon.

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ISRAEL

  1. Macron Declares Palestinian State, U.S. Calls Move Insult to October Victims

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September, calling for it to be demilitarized and to recognize Israel, while urging Hamas to disarm, release hostages, and permit Gaza aid. Netanyahu condemned the move as a reward for terror and a step toward creating another Iranian proxy, while Naftali Bennett warned it could fuel separatism among France’s Islamist minorities, and Michael Oren likened Macron to Pétain. The U.S. called the move “a slap in the face” to October 7 victims, and Ambassador Huckabee mocked Macron for not naming where the state would be, suggesting he offer the Riviera as “Franc-en-Stine” and calling the plan “revolting.” Canada and Australia backed the two-state idea but also condemned Israeli actions in Gaza. 

  1. Witkoff Ends Doha Talks, Accuses Hamas of Bad Faith in Truce Efforts

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff ended Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha, citing Hamas’s “lack of desire” to reach an agreement and “bad faith” conduct. He announced the recall of the U.S. negotiating team and said alternative strategies will be considered. Hamas responded with surprise, claiming its stance was constructive and welcomed by other mediators.

  1. USAID Finds No Proof of Systematic Hamas Theft of Gaza Aid

A USAID analysis found no evidence that Hamas systematically stole U.S.-funded aid in Gaza, contradicting claims by Israel and GHF. Of 156 reported aid losses, 44 were linked directly or indirectly to Israeli actions. Despite Israeli intelligence claims, no definitive proof ties Hamas to diverted supplies, and U.S. intelligence reportedly lacks supporting classified assessments.

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LEBANON

  1. Lebanese Army Arrests ISIS Cell Planning Attacks on Military Units

The Lebanese army announced Thursday the arrest of an ISIS-affiliated cell planning attacks on military forces under orders from leaders abroad. Three individuals were detained, and investigations confirmed their intent to target army units. The army continues efforts to capture remaining members. Last month, security forces also arrested ISIS’s leader in Lebanon, seizing weapons and ammunition.

  1. Israeli Airstrike Kills Hezbollah Member in Southern Lebanon

Israel’s military confirmed it killed a Hezbollah fighter in a Thursday airstrike on Aita al-Shaab, southern Lebanon. The strike targeted weapons depots and a rocket launcher. The victim was identified as Mustafa Harisi. Israel said Hezbollah’s activities violate existing Lebanon-Israel agreements. Air raids continue as tensions persist and Israeli withdrawal from southern positions remains delayed.

  1. France Releases Lebanese Terrorist Georges Abdallah After 40 Years in Prison

Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, jailed since 1984 for the murders of U.S. and Israeli diplomats in Paris, was released Friday following a French appeals court order. Now 74, Abdallah was deported to Lebanon after serving over four decades—despite years of U.S. opposition. His release marks the end of one of France’s longest imprisonments for politically motivated violence.

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YEMEN

  1. Houthis Sustain Long-Range Attacks Despite Israeli Air Interceptions

The Israeli Air Force intercepted a Houthi drone launched from Yemen overnight Thursday; it posed no threat to population centers and did not trigger air-raid sirens. Two days earlier, the IAF shot down a ballistic missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis that activated sirens across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem at dawn, forcing millions into shelters. No injuries or damage were reported.

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GULF COUNTRIES

  1. Kuwait Foils Smuggling of 4 Million Captagon Pills Hidden in Water Pipes

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry thwarted an attempt to smuggle 4 million Captagon pills—worth $39.3 million—concealed in water treatment pipes. One suspect was arrested locally, while the main perpetrator remains abroad. Authorities coordinated with international drug enforcement to pursue further legal action.

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IRAN

  1. Iran Cyberattack Halts Israeli Drone Production, Steals 3 TB of Sensitive Data

Iran’s Cyber Support Front claimed a cyberattack on Israel’s Sadanat drone plant, halting production and stealing over 3 TB of classified data tied to Rafael and Elbit. Iran pledged to share drone designs and countermeasure systems with “resistance axis” allies. At least 35 pro-Iranian hacktivist groups have coordinated recent attacks on Israeli military, infrastructure, and private firms—using DDoS, sabotage, and leaks. Analysts link the campaign to Iranian state actors like ASA. Cyber firms report a 700% surge in malicious activity since June, including hijacks of smart cameras and persistent hits on energy, telecom, and finance.

  1. Iranian Hacktivists Target Israeli Systems in Coordinated Cyber Offensive

A coordinated wave of cyberattacks by over 35 pro-Iranian hacktivist groups has targeted Israeli military, infrastructure, and private sector systems since June, with activity surging more than 700% according to multiple cybersecurity firms. The campaign has employed DDoS attacks, data leaks, surveillance hijacks, and sabotage operations across Israel’s energy, finance, telecom, and defense-related sectors. Iran’s Cyber Support Front claimed responsibility for a recent breach involving leaked files allegedly tied to Israeli defense contractors, though no confirmed disruption of drone production or theft of classified data has been independently verified. Israeli media and cybersecurity analysts have not reported any confirmed halt in operations at Rafael or Elbit facilities. The campaign has been loosely linked to Iranian-aligned entities, but direct attribution to Iranian state actors remains unproven. Experts continue to monitor heightened threats, particularly targeting surveillance systems and national infrastructure. This conflict is redefining cyberwarfare norms—turning digital assets, perception, and infrastructure into primary theaters of battle.

  1. Iran Launches Nahid-2, Expands Missile-Space Ties With Russia

Iran conducted two space operations in four days, showcasing continued dual-use ballistic missile development despite Israeli strikes during June’s 12-Day War. On July 25, Iran launched its Nahid-2 telecom satellite aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket, placing over 110 kg of domestically engineered payload into orbit. The satellite includes onboard propulsion, orbital adjustment capability, and GPS-independent targeting—all developed under sanctions. Iran pledged the satellite will aid its resistance allies. Four days earlier, it test-fired the Ghased satellite launch vehicle in a suborbital trial—its first such launch since the ceasefire.

  1. Iranian Official Claims Assassinating Trump Is Legally and Religiously Justified

Mohammad Javad Larijani, head of Iran’s Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, stated that assassinating former U.S. President Donald Trump is legally and religiously justified, citing American precedent in targeting Iranian leaders. He claimed over 400 Iranian clerics issued fatwas endorsing the move as retaliation for U.S.-backed assassinations and alleged state-sponsored terrorism against Iran.

  1. Reza Pahlavi to Host Largest Iranian Opposition Gathering in Munich

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi will lead a major opposition convention in Munich on July 26, uniting over 500 figures to draft a democratic transition roadmap for Iran. The event will include activists, dissidents, and representatives from diverse ideological, ethnic, and religious groups, aiming to build consensus for Iran’s future reconstruction and political transformation.

  1. Iran-European Nuclear Talks End in Istanbul Without Breakthrough

Iran concluded nuclear talks Friday in Istanbul with the UK, France, and Germany, warning of a return to UN sanctions. European officials threatened punitive steps if Iran doesn’t resume IAEA cooperation. Tehran reaffirmed its uranium enrichment stance, calling the program a national pride, while IAEA inspectors remain barred after July’s cooperation freeze. A follow-up technical visit is expected soon.

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TÜRKIYE

  1. Türkiye Unveils AI-Powered GÜRZ Autonomous Air Defense System at IDEF 2025

Turkish defense firm ASELSAN revealed GÜRZ, a highly mobile, AI-integrated short-range air defense system designed to autonomously counter drones, cruise missiles, and helicopters. Unmanned and network-integrated, GÜRZ combines hybrid missile-cannon firepower and operates independently or remotely. Compatible with NATO C4ISR frameworks, it boosts Türkiye’s air defense and offers an export-ready response to evolving low-altitude threats.

  1. Greece May Block Türkiy’s Access to European Defense Shield System

Greece is reportedly considering measures to prevent Türkiy from benefiting from the European defense shield system. The move reflects ongoing tensions between the two NATO members as broader debates over defense integration within the EU continue. No official decision has been announced yet.

  1. Türkiye, Malaysia Sign Armored Vehicle Production Deal at IDEF 2025

Türkiye and Malaysia signed an agreement Thursday to jointly produce armored vehicles during the IDEF 2025 defense expo in Istanbul. Turkish CEO Mehmet Katmerci and Malaysian DEFTECH CEO Mohamed Shahnaz inked the deal at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair, held under the Turkish Defense Ministry’s patronage and supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries.

  1. Türkiye Becomes Ethiopia’s Second-Largest Foreign Investor With $2.5 Billion

Türkiye has become Ethiopia’s second-largest foreign investor with $2.5 billion in diversified sectors including textiles, agribusiness, and digital infrastructure. Over 260 Turkish companies now operate in Ethiopia, reflecting deepening strategic ties. 

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EGYPT/AFRICA

  1. U.S. Approves $4.67 Billion Air Defense Deal With Egypt

The U.S. approved a $4.67 billion arms deal for Egypt, including NASAMS air defense systems, advanced radars, over 800 air-to-air missiles, encrypted communications, and GPS units. Another $929 million covers naval radar upgrades and support. Sixty American experts will assist in installation and training. Washington says the deal won’t alter the regional military balance.

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Disclaimer: The Early Phoenix is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.

 

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