ISIS Leader Abu Yusif Killed In Precision US Strike In Syria

Last Updated:December 20, 2024, 20:56 IST

The strike was conducted in an area formerly controlled by the Syrian regime and Russian forces.

ISIS in Syria (AP Image)

ISIS leader Abu Yusif alias Mahmud was killed in a precision strike by the United States (US) Central Command Force in Syria on Thursday, CENTCOM announced Friday.

The security forces claimed that another unnamed ISIS operative was also eliminated in the strike.

The CENTCOM announced the killing in a statement in which it revealed it was able to carry out the strike after outgoing president Bashar al-Assad’s departure nearly two weeks ago.

“On Dec. 19, US Central Command Forces conducted a precision airstrike targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif aka Mahmud in the Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria resulting in two ISIS operatives killed, including Abu Yusif. This airstrike is part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond," US Central Command Force said in a post on X.

According to CENTCOM, the area where the strike happened was previously controlled by the Assad regime and Russia.

CENTCOM commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla, said, “As stated before, the United States – working with allies and partners in the region – will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute. ISIS has the intent to break out of detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in facilities in Syria. We will aggressively target these leaders and operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to Syria."

Damascus, Syria

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