10/07/2023

ISIS leader killed in US drone strike and anti-terrorism forces of North and East Syria arrest ISIS emir in eastern Syria 

DAYRO ZCURO, Syria — In a significant development in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Friday that high-level ISIS leader Osama al-Muhajir was killed during a targeted US drone strike in Syria.

CENTCOM Commander Michael Corella reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside their local allies to defeat ISIS throughout the region, since it still poses a threat to the entire world.

Corella emphasized that CENTCOM’s operations against ISIS are conducted in close collaboration with partner forces in Iraq and Syria. These joint efforts will persist until the permanent defeat of ISIS is achieved, underscoring the determination to eradicate the extremist group.

The US drones involved in the operation were reportedly harassed by Russian aircraft during the course of the mission.

Russian fighter jets have been harassing American drones over Syria for three consecutive days, according to the US military. The encounters involved unprofessional behavior and unsafe close passes by Russian aircraft, causing the drones to react to avoid potential danger. Tensions between Russian and US troops in Syria are not uncommon, as both countries conduct patrols and overflights in the region. The US military has called on Russia to adhere to professional conduct and return to established norms, emphasizing the importance of focusing on defeating ISIS.


In this image from video released by the US Air Force, Russian military SU-34 and SU-35 aircraft release flares in the flight path of a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone, lower left, on Thursday, 6 July 2023, over Syria. (Image: US Air Force via AP)

Meanwhile, in another development, the Anti-Terror Units (HAT) of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out a security operation in the eastern countryside of Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor) on Sunday. With the valuable support of the US-led International Coalition, the operation resulted in the apprehension of an ISIS emir, along with the confiscation of his weaponry and communication equipment. Remarkably, the operation was executed successfully without any casualties among the forces involved.

These recent operations serve as a testament to the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and establish stability in the region. The collaborative endeavors between international partners and local forces aim to ensure the safety and security of communities affected by the presence of ISIS, bringing them one step closer to a brighter and more peaceful future.