US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported its forces killed Al Qaeda leader Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki in a targeted strike.
Al-Makki was a senior leader of Hurras al-Din, a Syrian chapter of Al Qaeda.
According to CENTCOM, “Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki was a Hurras al-Din Shura Council member and senior leader responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.”
Hurras al-Din, designated a terrorist organization by President Donald Trump in 2019, advocates attacks against the US, Israel, and the West.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) explains some of Hurras al-Din’s terror tactics includekidnapping, small arms attacks, and car bombs.
Hurras al-Din is estimated to count with over 2,000 fighters.
“CENTCOM remains committed to the enduring defeat of terrorists in the CENTCOM area of responsibility who threaten the United States, its allies and partners, and regional stability," said CENTCOM Commander Michael Erik Kurilla.
Al Qaeda and its affiliated groups have resurged across the Middle East following the Taliban’s recuperation of control over Afghanistan.
The Taliban recently marked the three year anniversary of their return to power.
A celebratory parade boasting the millions of dollars in US equipment they were able to scavenge from abandoned US military assets was held earlier last week.
US Representative Brian Mast (R-FL), a combat military veteran, condemned President Biden as well as Vice President Kamala Harris for the Taliban’s return to power.
”Kamala Harris, you are complicit for defending this disaster,” said Representative Mast.
Vice President Harris previously proudly backed Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in the manner that he did.
