Biden says Islamic State’s leader killed in overnight special forces op in Syria
The US says Islamic State’s current leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was killed in the overnight special forces operation in Syria.
“Last night at my direction, US military forces in northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place,” US President Joe Biden says in a statement.
“Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS. All Americans have returned safely from the operation. I will deliver remarks to the American people later this morning. May God protect our troops.”
A senior US official says the IS leader blew himself up during the operation.
The White House issues a photo of the president and vice president monitoring the operation.
President Biden, Vice President Harris and members of the President’s national security team observe the counterterrorism operation responsible for removing from the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi — the leader of ISIS. pic.twitter.com/uhK75WeUme
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 3, 2022
