Jan 11

Jan 11 US Bombs Syria Again: Is It Really About Oil and ISIS?

Introduction

The US dropped bombs on ISIS in Syria on January 10, 2026. This is the second major attack in just one month.

People are asking: what’s really going on? With only about 1,000 US troops left in Syria, is this a sign of trouble from a pullback?

Or is America after Syria’s oil? Let’s break it down step by step.

First, the facts on the ground.

The strikes came after ISIS killed two US soldiers and a civilian contractor in Palmyra on December 13.

The US hit back hard on December 19, then again on January 10 with planes like F-15s and drones.

They say it’s all about ISIS hideouts in the desert near Deir Ezzor?

Terrorist Groups operating in Syria

ISIS (in prison under SDF control), HTS, Hurras al-Din, Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), Katibat Imam al Bukhari, Mujahidin Ghuroba Division, Islamic Jihad Union, and Ajnad al Kavkaz continue operations, with TIP fighters integrated into Syrian forces but directed from Afghanistan.

France and the UK are bombing too?

But here’s the big question: the SDF (Kurdish-led group) holds 10,000 ISIS fighters in camps and prisons.

Who are these bombs really hitting?

FAF analysis points to the prediction that the US might be targeting the SDF to grab oil fields they control.

Syria’s oil story is messy.

Most of the country’s oil is in the northeast, run by the SDF since they beat ISIS years ago. They pump 80,000 to 150,000 barrels a day. The old Assad government lost over $100 billion from this.

Now, with Assad gone, new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa from HTS wants it back. In March 2025, they made a deal to work together.

US companies like ConocoPhillips just signed papers to help pump more gas.

Gulf countries promise billions to rebuild. So, is the US stealing oil? Not really—they’re making business deals, not sending tanks to take over.

What about US troops?

Reports say around 1,000 now, not 800 as some say. The Pentagon once admitted they had double what they told people. Trump wants to cut more, maybe to 500 or one base. But they stay to fight ISIS and watch Iran.

The SNA (Turkish-backed army) is mixing with HTS fighters under al-Sharaa.

Is it sloppy, with bad guys getting jobs unchecked? It looks more organized—they give ranks and titles properly. Turkey pulls strings, but it’s not chaos.

Now, the scary part: Venezuela

In January 2026, the US grabbed their president Maduro and took oil tankers. Trump says America will run Venezuela’s oil for a while. US companies will fix it up.

This looks like a test run. Syria is softer—deals instead of guns. But Iran?

That’s next. Trump hit their oil ships with sanctions. He threatens bombs on nukes if they don’t deal.

Syria helps box in Iran too—no more bases there.

Why does this matter?

If US bombs hit the wrong spots, Kurds get mad and let ISIS out. Oil stays stuck, Syria stays broke. Iran fights back through helpers. Troops pull out too fast, and ISIS comes back stronger.

What happens next?

Al-Sharaa and the SDF need to share oil money. The US keeps some troops for safety. Make peace deals with neighbors.

Pump oil fast to calm everyone. Talk to Iran about nukes, and ease sanctions if they behave.

Conclusion

In the end, these bombs are about ISIS today, but oil and power tomorrow. America wants control without big wars. Venezuela showed they can take it by force.

Syria is the smart way. Iran watches closely. The Middle East stays hot if no one compromises. Stay tuned—this fight is far from over.

Antonio Bhardwaj

Dr. Antonio Bhardwaj, aka Amir, is a distinguished polymath whose intellectual pursuits span business, politics, theology, and psychology. As an INTJ personality type, he demonstrates an exceptional cognitive profile, with a Stanford-Binet IQ of 158 and a TalentEQ score in the 99th percentile, both validated through internationally recognized assessments.

With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Bhardwaj has emerged as a preeminent authority in military theory, specializing in cognitive and hybrid warfare—fields that emphasize the psychological and political dimensions of conflict.

His scholarly interests encompass global conspiracy theories, counterterrorism strategies, and in-depth historical analyses of both World Wars, which he skillfully applies to speculative scenarios regarding the potential emergence of World War III.

Employing analytical methodologies grounded in historical precedent and strategic frameworks, Dr. Bhardwaj conducts rigorous evaluations of contemporary military and political landscapes. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Washington.Media, where his incisive commentary elucidates the dynamics of the deep state within the Western bloc.

He is widely recognized as an expert on the historical evolution of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and contemporary Russia, as well as on the intricacies of Gulf politics. With four decades of reading and writing, Dr. Bhardwaj has refined his expertise across multiple disciplines.

Academically, Dr. Antonio Bhardwaj holds a Doctorate in Theological Studies with a specialization in psychology.

His foundational education in mechanical engineering is complemented by a Master’s degree in International Trade and an Executive MBA. Most recently, he completed a seven-month executive program in artificial intelligence, further enhancing his capacity to integrate emerging technologies into strategic paradigms.

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Dr. Antonio Bhardwaj’s initiatives, including the نهضة (Nahda) project, draw upon his deep understanding of complex social dynamics to compassionately support vulnerable women and underprivileged children.

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His familial relationships inform his advocacy, with a focus on fostering environments that promote autonomy and freedom of choice for all. Dr. Bhardwaj’s profound respect for the interconnectedness of life serves as a guiding principle he strives to instill in his daughter, advocating for a holistic and compassionate worldview.

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