The U.S. military announced the destruction of 15 sites containing weapons depots belonging to the Islamic State (ISIS) in southern Syria, in one of the most extensive joint operations with Syrian forces in recent years.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the US and Syrian forces identified and eliminated storage facilities throughout Rif Damashq province during a series of airstrikes and ground demolitions conducted between November 24 and 27. “The combined operation destroyed more than 130 mortars and rockets, multiple assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and materials for constructing improvised explosive devices,” CENTCOM said. Illicit drugs were also discovered and destroyed.

“This successful operation ensures that the gains made against ISIS are lasting and that the group cannot regenerate or export terrorist attacks to the United States or the rest of the world,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command.

The operation comes three months after U.S. forces killed a senior ISIS commander in northern Syria during a ground operation.

The senior commander, killed on August 19, was identified as a key player within the ISIS terrorist group for allegedly being involved in planning attacks in Syria and Iraq.

The announcement follows a meeting earlier this month between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Washington, a historic encounter marking the first such talks between the two nations in more than a decade.

Trump, after the November 10 meeting,He affirmed his commitment to helping Syria "achieve success and stability" after years of war and international isolation. Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander who until recently was under US sanctions, has called for the complete removal of the economic restrictions imposed by the Caesar Act.