U.S. President Joe Biden announced Thursday the death of ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al Hashimi al Quraishi during an operation carried out by U.S. special forces in the Syrian province of Idlib (northwest).
Joe Biden confirms death of ISIS leader in military operation in Syria
“Last night and on my orders, U.S. military forces in northwest Syria successfully conducted a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our allies and make the world a safer place,” the president said.
“May God protect our troops.”
“Thanks to the capabilities and courage of our Armed Forces, we have taken Abu Ibrahim al Hashimi al Quraishi, the leader of the Islamic State, off the battlefield,” Biden said in a brief statement released by the White House after the operation.
He stressed that the U.S. forces involved in the raid have returned to their bases without casualties, before adding that he will soon make public statements to give details about the operation. “May God protect our troops,” he reiterated.
Biden’s statement was released hours after U.S. Defense Department spokesman John Kirby confirmed a “successful mission” by special forces in Idlib, without commenting on their target or possible casualties.
Syria says 4 children have been killed in the operation
Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 13 people, including four children, have been killed as part of the operation in Idlib province, adding that it was carried out between midnight and 3:30 a.m. (local time).
The London-based agency, with informants in the Arab country, has stressed that the United States sent its special forces to the Atmé area, near the border with Turkey, and added that “the death of thirteen people, including four children and three women, has been verified and confirmed.”
