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| Photo Credit: AP. |
A drone strike carried out by the U.S. military in Syria has killed top Islamic State leader Maher al Agal, U.S. Central Command said Tuesday, according to The Washington Times.
Al Agal was
one of the top five ISIS leaders and its leader in Syria. Another “senior” ISIS
official described by CENTCOM as one of the targets was “seriously injured
during the strike,” The Washington Times cited a statement provided by the
Washington Examiner.
Al Agal was
"responsible for aggressively pursuing the development of ISIS networks
outside of Iraq and Syria," the statement read.
"This
strike reaffirms CENTCOM's steadfast commitment to the region and the enduring
defeat of ISIS," said Col. Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesman. "The
removal of these ISIS leaders will disrupt the terrorist organization's ability
to further plot and carry out global attacks. ISIS continues to represent a
threat to the U.S. and partners in the region. CENTCOM maintains a sufficient
and sustainable presence in the region and will continue to counter threats
against regional security."
On June 27,
the American military targeted Abu Hamzah al Yemeni, in Idlib province. Al
Yemeni is a senior leader of Hurras al Din. It is not clear how many civilians
may have been killed in both instances.