U.S. Central Command Confirms ISIS Leader’s Death in Syria Airstrike

An ISIS leader, Usamah al-Muhajir, was killed in a U.S. airstrike in eastern Syria on Friday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The drone strike that killed al-Muhajir occurred while the drone was being “harassed” by Russian fighter aircraft over western Syria, as reported by the Defense Department. CENTCOM stated that there were no civilian casualties in the strike, but they are investigating reports of civilian injuries.

Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the Commander of 9th AF (AFCENT) and Combined Forces Air Component Commander (CFACC) for CENTCOM, released a statement on Friday regarding the harassment of three MQ-9 drones by Russian fighter aircraft in Syria. Grynkewich emphasized the need for Russia to adhere to professional norms in order to ensure the defeat of ISIS.

This incident marks the third consecutive day where the Defense Department has raised concerns about Russia’s unsafe and unprofessional behavior in military engagements. On a separate note, the U.S. Africa Command announced on Sunday that they conducted three collective self-defense airstrikes against al Shabaab terrorists in support of the Somali National Army forces.