US Military Kills ISIS Leader in Drone Strike in Syria
The US military announced on Sunday that it had killed an ISIS leader in a drone strike in eastern Syria. The strike, carried out by MQ-9 Reaper drones, targeted Usama al-Muhajir, according to a press release by the US Central Command.
This successful operation comes just days after the same drones were harassed by Russian aircraft in Syrian airspace. Last week, US drones participating in the anti-ISIS mission were harassed three times in as many days by Russian aircraft that are in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad.
The incident between the Russian fighter jets and the US drones on Friday lasted for nearly two hours, with the Russian aircraft making 18 unprofessional close passes that forced the MQ-9s to take evasive action. The US Air Forces Central described the Russian actions as dangerous and unprofessional.
In response to the harassment, the US military swiftly carried out the drone strike that resulted in the death of the ISIS leader. The US Central Command emphasized that the strike was part of their ongoing commitment to defeating ISIS in the region, as the terrorist group remains a threat not only to the region but also beyond.
Although the US military stated that no civilians were killed in the strike, they are currently assessing reports of civilian injuries. The protection of civilians is a priority for the US military, and they take all necessary precautions to minimize harm to non-combatants during their operations.
The tensions between the US and Russia in Syria continue to escalate, with multiple incidents of harassment and close encounters between their aircraft. The US has repeatedly called on Russia to abide by international norms and ensure the safety of all aircraft operating in the region.
The death of the ISIS leader in the drone strike represents a significant blow to the terrorist organization. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the US and its allies in their fight against ISIS and the complex dynamics in the Syrian conflict.
The US military remains committed to its mission of defeating ISIS and maintaining stability in the region. They will continue to monitor and respond to any threats posed by terrorist organizations and other actors in Syria.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-09 13:51:00
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