Coalition spearheaded by the U.S. eliminates IS militant, known for planning assaults in the Western regions
In a significant development, the U.S.-led coalition has announced the killing of a top militant from the Islamic State (IS) group in central Syria. The slain militant was identified as Omar Abdul-Qader, also known as Abdul-Rahman al-Halabi.
Abdul-Qader, who was head of IS foreign operations, posed a direct threat to the U.S. homeland, according to the U.S. Central Command. He was involved in attacks that targeted the U.S., Europe, and allies, as well as the 2013 bombing of the Iranian Embassy in Beirut that claimed more than 20 lives.
The Islamic State group, once controlling large parts of Syria and Iraq, has been on the decline since its defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years after declaring a caliphate in 2014. The group's sleeper cells, however, remain active in Syria.
The raid that led to Abdul-Qader's death was conducted in Syria's central province of Hama. The Iraq's counterterrorism agency assisted the coalition in locating the militant. It is worth noting that none of Abdul-Qader's planned attacks had materialized before his death.
Prior to his death, Abdul-Qader was a key figure in coordinating Islamist rebel forces with an ideology similar to the Muslim Brotherhood. He was the leader of the al-Tawhid Brigade, a major Islamist insurgent group active in the Syrian Civil War.
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM's commander, stated that they will not relent in pursuing terrorists who seek to attack the United States, its forces, or allies. Cooper emphasized that this operation demonstrates the coalition's commitment to ensuring the security of the region and the world.
Before his escape after Assad's fall last December, Abdul-Qader had been detained in Lebanon and was handed to Damascus authorities while Syrian President Bashar Assad was in power. The killing of Abdul-Qader is a significant blow to the Islamic State group's operations.
The elimination of such a high-ranking IS member underscores the ongoing efforts by the international community to combat terrorism and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.
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