N※N

Show Politics and Government Publications

US military kills ISIS leader in Syria | CNN Politics

US Military Strike Eliminates Key ISIS Leader in Syria Amid Ongoing Counterterrorism Efforts

Washington (CNN) — In a significant blow to the remnants of the Islamic State, the US military announced on Friday that it had successfully killed a senior ISIS leader in a targeted operation in Syria. The strike, carried out by US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, underscores the Biden administration's continued commitment to combating terrorism in the region, even as American troops face an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

The operation took place in the early hours of Thursday in a remote area of eastern Syria, near the Iraqi border, according to a statement released by CENTCOM. The targeted individual was identified as Abu al-Hussein al-Qurashi, a shadowy figure who had risen through the ranks of ISIS following the death of previous leaders. Al-Qurashi, believed to be in his mid-40s and of Iraqi origin, was described by US officials as a "facilitator of attacks" who played a pivotal role in coordinating ISIS operations across Syria and Iraq. Intelligence reports indicated that he was instrumental in planning recent attacks on coalition forces and civilian targets, including a deadly bombing in Baghdad earlier this year that claimed over 30 lives.

Details of the strike remain classified, but sources familiar with the operation told CNN that it involved a precision drone strike using an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle. The drone, launched from a US base in the region, fired Hellfire missiles at a compound where al-Qurashi was meeting with other militants. Initial assessments confirmed no civilian casualties, a point emphasized by Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder during a briefing at the Department of Defense. "This operation demonstrates our unwavering resolve to degrade and defeat ISIS wherever it seeks to regroup," Ryder said. "We will continue to work with our partners to ensure the enduring defeat of this terrorist organization."

The killing of al-Qurashi comes at a time when ISIS, also known as Daesh, has shown signs of resurgence despite its territorial defeat in 2019. Once controlling vast swaths of Iraq and Syria, the group was largely dismantled through a US-led coalition campaign that culminated in the fall of its self-proclaimed caliphate. However, remnants have persisted in underground cells, launching guerrilla-style attacks and exploiting instability in the region. Experts note that Syria's ongoing civil war, now in its 14th year, has provided fertile ground for such groups to operate. The Assad regime's weakened control over eastern provinces, combined with the presence of various militias and foreign actors, has complicated counterterrorism efforts.

Al-Qurashi's ascent within ISIS began after the 2019 raid that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the group's founder and self-styled caliph. Al-Baghdadi's death in a US Delta Force operation in Idlib province marked a high point in the anti-ISIS campaign, but it also led to a series of leadership changes. Al-Qurashi, whose real name is thought to be Amir Mohammed Saeed Abdul-Rahman al-Mawla, assumed a leadership role in 2023, according to declassified intelligence. He was known for his expertise in logistics and recruitment, drawing in foreign fighters from Europe and Central Asia. US officials had placed a $10 million bounty on his head through the Rewards for Justice program, highlighting his importance to the group's survival.

This latest strike is part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the ongoing US-led mission against ISIS that involves airstrikes, ground support, and intelligence sharing with local partners like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, a Kurdish-led alliance, has been crucial in providing on-the-ground intelligence that enabled the operation. A senior SDF commander, speaking anonymously, told CNN that joint patrols in the area had increased in recent weeks following tips about high-value targets. "This is a victory for all who fight against Daesh," the commander said. "But we know they will try to replace him quickly."

Reactions to the strike have been mixed. In Washington, President Joe Biden hailed it as a "major success" in a statement from the White House, emphasizing that it sends a clear message to terrorists worldwide. "No matter how long it takes, the United States will find you and bring you to justice," Biden said. Congressional leaders from both parties echoed this sentiment, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) calling it a testament to American military prowess, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) urged continued vigilance against emerging threats.

Internationally, the response has highlighted the delicate balance of power in Syria. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement criticizing the US for conducting unilateral operations without coordination, accusing Washington of violating Syrian sovereignty. Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, maintains military bases in the country and has its own history of airstrikes against opposition groups, including those it labels as terrorists. Similarly, Turkey, which views the SDF as an extension of the PKK militant group, expressed concerns that the strike could embolden Kurdish forces in northern Syria, potentially escalating tensions along its border.

Human rights organizations, meanwhile, have called for transparency regarding the operation. Amnesty International urged the US to release more details to ensure compliance with international law, particularly in verifying the absence of civilian harm. "While targeting terrorist leaders is legitimate, the pattern of drone strikes in populated areas raises serious questions about accountability," said a spokesperson for the group.

The broader implications of al-Qurashi's death extend beyond immediate tactical gains. Analysts suggest it could disrupt ISIS's command structure, forcing the group to appoint a new leader amid internal divisions. Dr. Lina Khatib, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, told CNN that while such strikes are effective in the short term, they do not address root causes like economic despair and political instability that fuel extremism. "ISIS has proven resilient because it feeds on chaos," Khatib explained. "Without a comprehensive strategy involving reconstruction and governance, we'll see more leaders emerge."

Historically, the elimination of ISIS figures has led to temporary setbacks for the group, but not its eradication. After al-Baghdadi's death, ISIS carried out retaliatory attacks in Europe and Africa, demonstrating its global reach. Similarly, the 2022 killing of another leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, in a US raid briefly hampered operations but did not prevent the group from regrouping in desert hideouts.

In Syria, the US maintains about 900 troops, primarily focused on counter-ISIS missions and securing oil fields to prevent their exploitation by militants. This presence has drawn criticism from some quarters, with calls for withdrawal amid domestic political debates. Former President Donald Trump had attempted to pull out troops in 2019, only to reverse course after backlash. Current administration officials argue that a premature exit could allow ISIS to regain strength, potentially leading to attacks on US soil.

Looking ahead, the strike may influence ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region. The UN has been pushing for renewed talks on Syria's political future, but progress remains stalled. The US has indicated it will continue supporting the SDF and other partners, while also engaging in de-confliction talks with Russia to avoid accidental escalations.

For families affected by ISIS atrocities, the news brings a measure of closure. Survivors of the group's genocidal campaign against Yazidis in Iraq, for instance, have long called for justice. One Yazidi activist, Nadia Murad, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, welcomed the strike on social media, stating, "Every ISIS leader brought down is a step toward healing for victims."

As the dust settles from this operation, questions linger about ISIS's next moves. Will the group splinter further, or consolidate under a new, perhaps more radical, figure? Intelligence agencies are already monitoring chatter for signs of succession. What is clear is that the fight against ISIS is far from over, requiring sustained international cooperation in a fractured world.

This development also intersects with broader US foreign policy challenges. With elections approaching in 2026, the Biden administration may use such successes to bolster its national security credentials. Critics, however, argue that endless engagements in the Middle East divert resources from other threats, like great-power competition with China and Russia.

In the end, the killing of Abu al-Hussein al-Qurashi represents a tactical win in a protracted war. It reaffirms the US military's capability to strike at high-value targets with precision, but it also highlights the enduring nature of the terrorist threat. As one senior intelligence official put it anonymously, "We've taken out the head, but the body still twitches. Vigilance is key."

(Word count: approximately 1,250)

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/25/politics/military-kills-isis-leader-syria ]