US says it has killed Islamic State leader Abu Yusif in Syria airstrike

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States said it killed Islamic State (ISIS) leader Abu Yusif - who also goes by Mahmud - in the eastern province of Deir ez Zor in a precision airstrike.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the area where the ISIS head was killed was previously controlled by the Syrian regime and Russian forces before the recent fall of Bashar al Assad.

“Central Command Forces conducted a precision airstrike targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif aka Mahmud in the Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria resulting in two ISIS operatives killed, including Abu Yusif,” CENTCOM said in a press release.

“This airstrike is part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond. This strike was conducted in an area formerly controlled by the Syrian regime and Russians,” it added.

“As stated before, the United States — working with allies and partners in the region — will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute. ISIS has the intent to break out of detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in facilities in Syria. We will aggressively target these leaders and operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to Syria," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.