The US military conducted a strike in Syria, resulting in the death of a senior leader from a militant group linked to Al-Qaeda. Here is a breakdown of the key details.
The Target and Operation
- Target: Abu Abdul Rahman al-Makki, a senior leader of Hurras al-Din, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Syria.
- Location of Strike: Southern Idlib countryside, Syria.
- Method: A drone strike targeted Makki while he was riding a motorcycle.
- Outcome: Makki was killed in the strike.
About Hurras al-Din
- Affiliation: Hurras al-Din is linked to Al-Qaeda and shares its goals of conducting global terrorist attacks, especially against the US and Western interests.
- Role of Makki: He was a member of the group's Shura Council, responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.
US Military Presence and Actions in Syria
- Troop Deployment: The US has around 900 troops stationed in Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State (IS).
- Purpose of the Coalition: Formed in 2014, the coalition aims to combat jihadist groups like IS, which had previously seized large areas of Iraq and Syria.
- Ongoing Operations: US forces periodically conduct strikes in Syria to target members of IS and other militant groups posing a threat.
Confirmation of the Strike
- US Central Command (CENTCOM): Confirmed the strike in a social media post, detailing Makki's role in Hurras al-Din and his responsibilities.
- Syrian Observatory for Human Rights: Also reported Makki's death, describing him as a Saudi national killed in a drone strike.
Conclusion
This strike highlights the ongoing efforts of the US military to combat terrorist threats in the region and to prevent militant groups from gaining a foothold in Syria.