One of the world most wanted man in the world, Islamic State Leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi has been comfirmed dead after exploding a bomb that killed himself and members of his family as US forces launched an attack on a house in the village of Atmeh, in Idlib province Syria.
Africhome gathered that he was among at least 13 people including four women who died during the operation, which lasted two hours.
At least six children were also among the victims, with one girl badly injured as the violence unfolded, children’s charity UNICEF said in a statement.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the mission was “successful”, adding there were no US military casualties.
US President Joe Biden announced the killing in a statement, saying: “Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi.”
Last night’s operation is a testament to America’s reach and capability to take out terrorist threats — no matter where they try to hide in the world.
“I am determined to protect the American people from terrorist threats, and I will take decisive action to protect this country”.
One of the helicopters used in the raid suffered a mechanical problem and had to be blown up on the ground, officials said.
Al-Qurayshi, also known as Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla, was named as the second leader of IS after founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in October 2019.
The US raid began at around midnight as helicopters landed and heavy gunfire was heard, according to residents.American troops used loudspeakers to warn women and children to leave the area.
The top floor of the house was destroyed during the clash and body parts were seen scattered near the site.
The top floor of the house was destroyed during the clash and body parts were seen scattered near the site.
