“On Dec 19, US CENTCOM conducted a precision airstrike targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif aka Mahmud in the Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria resulting in two ISIS operatives killed, including Abu Yusif. This airstrike is part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the US, our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond. This strike was conducted in an area formerly controlled by the Syrian regime and Russians.”

“‘As stated before, the United States – working with allies and partners in the region – will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute. ISIS has the intent to break out of detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in facilities in Syria. We will aggressively target these leaders and operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to Syria,’ said Gen Michael Kurilla, CENTCOM commander,” says a US CENTCOM statement.

Right before Christmas too, in a season when there’s supposed to be joy and celebration, not getting blown to hell by a missile they didn’t see coming. Sure, Yusif wasn’t a Christmas-tian, but the holiday is inclusive and everyone is encouraged. For all we know Yusuf could have watched It’s A Wonderful Life with Arabic subtitles via satellite in his underground dungeon and felt the spirit of the season. Gradually, then suddenly, Yusuf’s ice cold heart would melt into warmth, and the terrorist leader would burst outside to dance merrily down the streets of his little goat village with a small crippled boy on his shoulder as fluffy snowflakes gently wafted down from the sky.

And if that didn’t happen then CENTCOM forces could’ve just vaporized him on the 26th.