The US Central Command has announced that the number of arrests and killings of ISIL fighters and leaders in the first half of this year has doubled compared to the same period last year.



 The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that thry have conducted several operations in Iraq and Syria in collaboration with Iraqi security forces, anti-ISIS allies and the Syrian Democratic Forces.


 From January to June this year;  ISIShas carried out 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria, double the same period last year, suggesting it is trying to reinforce itself.


 In Iraq, 196 attacks were foiled, 44 militants were killed and 166 arrested, while in Syria, 137 operations were conducted, killing 30 militants and arresting 74 militants.


 "We have carried out 59 operations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), killing 14 ISIS fighters and arresting 92 others," Centcom said.


 Eight ISIS leaders were killed and 32 others arrested in the operations, which were carried out outside Iraq and Syria, in addition to training fighters and smuggling weapons.


 "We will continue our efforts to eliminate ISIL members who are trying to carry out attacks and operations outside Iraq and Syria and those who are trying to strengthen their capabilities in those two countries," Centcom said.