An Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) senior leader was likely killed in a helicopter raid in northern Syria early Monday morning, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The ISIS leader and operational planner, who was not named, was responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe. “The raid resulted in the probable death of the targeted individual,” the Department of Defense’s command said, adding that two other armed individuals were also killed in the raid.
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No U.S. troops were injured in the attack nor was any Department of Defense equipment damaged, due to “extensive planning.” The command does not believe any civilians were injured either.
“Though degraded, ISIS remains able to conduct operations within the region with a desire to strike beyond the Middle East,” Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, said. “We will continue the relentless campaign against ISIS.”
Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesman, said more details on the raid will be released soon. “This operation reaffirms CENTCOM’s steadfast commitment to the region and the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
Earlier this month, the U.S. military killed another senior Islamic State leader in Syria who was responsible for planning the terror group’s attacks in Europe, according to CENTCOM. Khalid ‘Aydd Ahmad al Jabouri was known for planning ISIS attacks into Europe and developing the leadership structure for ISIS.
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CENTCOM has conducted dozens of strikes and operations in Syria to degrade ISIS’s ability to plan and execute attacks against U.S. forces and interests. It conducted an operation on Feb. 16 that resulted in the death of another “senior leader,” Hamza al Homsi, while four U.S. service members and a working dog were injured in an explosion during the mission.
CENTCOM and its partners conducted a total of 37 missions in Iraq and Syria in the month of March that resulted in the deaths of nine ISIS operatives and the detention of 18 others. At least eight of the militants detained were involved in planning for attacks against ISIS detention facilities in Syria.
