US Military Kills Top Al Qaeda Commander

The US military has announced the death of a senior operative of Al-Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din (HaD) after US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted air strikes against a HaD stronghold. 

CENTCOM forces struck Northwest Syria, targeting and killing a HaD senior finance and logistics official.

"We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

President Donald Trump commended General Kurilla and CENTCOM for their successful mission. 

“Congratulations to CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla, and the US warfighters who dealt Justice to another Jihadi threatening America and our allies and partners,” said President Trump. 

The US has been waging a silent war against Al Qaeda and its affiliates who have resurged across the Middle East following the Taliban’s recuperation of control over Afghanistan.

Nearly four years have passed since the Taliban’s shocking 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 during the three year anniversary celebrations of their return.

Last August, CENTCOM 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.”

HaD, 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 include kidnapping, small arms attacks, and car bombs.

HaD is estimated to number over 2,000 fighters.