Senior Islamic State leader captured in US-led military raid in Syria

Beirut, June 16

US-led coalition forces captured a senior Islamic State leader in a military operation in northern Syria on Thursday, the coalition said.

In a statement, it said the captured leader was an experienced bomb maker and operational facilitator.

The statement did not identify the individual nor say where the raid took place. It said the operation was “successful” with no civilians harmed nor any injuries to coalition forces.

The US-backed forces declared victory over the Islamic State in March 2019 after retaking the last piece of territory held by the group in Syria.

But Islamic State continues to operate and carry out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria through sleeper cells and maintains several affiliates in various countries.