The United States has confirmed the death of Abu Yusif, also known as Mahmud, a key leader of the Islamic State (IS), in a precision airstrike conducted in eastern Syria.
The US Central Command (Centcom) stated that the operation also neutralized another IS operative. The strike targeted a region formerly controlled by Syrian regime forces and Russian allies.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, the Centcom commander, reaffirmed the US commitment to preventing IS from exploiting the ongoing instability in Syria.
“The United States, in collaboration with regional allies and partners, will ensure that ISIS cannot capitalize on the current situation to regroup or expand its influence,” he stated.
Kurilla also underscored IS’ continuous efforts to destabilize the region, including attempts to free more than 8,000 of its operatives detained in Syrian facilities.
“We will relentlessly target IS leaders and operatives, especially those planning external operations beyond Syria,” he added.
The strike occurred during a period of upheaval in Syria, following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
The former president fled to Russia after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist rebel coalition, launched a rapid offensive that ended his 14-year rule. This development marks a significant shift in Syria’s volatile political landscape.