b) ISIS

American involvement in the Syrian conflict primarily aimed to counter ISIS, a designated terrorist organization. This extremist group, also known as the Islamic State, gained international notoriety for its brutal tactics and attempts to establish a caliphate in the region. The United States, along with a coalition of international partners, engaged in military actions and strategic efforts to weaken ISIS’s control in Syria. These efforts included airstrikes, support for local ground forces, and counterterrorism operations. The campaign against ISIS was a significant aspect of U.S. foreign policy, reflecting the global challenge of combating terrorism and stabilizing the region.