Russia says it supports US anti-terror efforts after the chief of Islamic State was killed during a raid in north-west Syria
US President Joe Biden says the death of the IS leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi has removed “a major terror threat to the world”.
As the raid took place, al-Qurayshi detonated a bomb which in turn killed himself and his own family… in a final act Biden labeled “cowardice”.
There was ‘tremendous tension’ in the room as U.S President Joe Biden oversaw the raid on ISIS leader that was months in the making
Syrian officials say 13 bodies were discovered after the raid, with the operation targeting a residential building in the town of Atmeh.
The region is close to the border of Turkey and is held tightly by opposition forces.
It is known to be a stronghold of Jihadist groups who are known rivals of IS, as well as Turkish-backed rebel groups who are fighting the Syrian government.
Biden was made aware of the operation over a month ago, after intelligence reports established al-Qurayshi was living in a residential apartment block with his family.
The former leader never left his apartment, instead using couriers to deliver messages to his constituents.
Biden ruled out an airstrike on the building in an attempt to reduce civilian casualties, with a special forces raid carrying out the attack.
There are reports the US special forces faced significant resistance on the ground, coming under fire as they moved in.
