WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hamas and ISIS have both lost top leaders in recent hours as American allies score victories in the War on Terror.
According to a statement released on October 18, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) conducted precision airstrikes in Northeastern Iraq on Oct. 14 that killed four members of the terrorist organization ISIS, including a senior leader. The Iraqi-led strikes were conducted to disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq and were enabled by technical support and intelligence from Coalition Forces as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR).
The senior leader, Shahadhah Allawi Salih Ulaywi al-Bajjari, also known as Abu Issa, the “Wali of Kirkuk,” was assessed to be the most senior ISIS official in Northern Iraq.
An initial post-strike assessment found explosive “suicide” belts, numerous weapons, explosives, and ammunition. There is no indication of civilian casualties.
Enabling ISF strikes is part of the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel throughout the region and beyond. In August, CJTF-OIR also partnered with the ISF to conduct a raid in Western Iraq, resulting in the death of 14 ISIS operatives.
“ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland. U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command.
According to a statement released on October 17, from Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command, on the Death of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar:
“Congratulations to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the elimination of Yahya Sinwar (pictured at top via Getty Images), the mass-murdering leader of the terrorist group, Hamas. Sinwar was the ruthless mastermind of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel that massacred more 1,200 innocent civilians, including more than 40 Americans. More than 250 innocent men, women, and children were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. 101 hostages remain missing, including seven Americans. U.S. Central Command’s support to the Israel Defense Forces remains ironclad. Our commitment to countering terrorists throughout the Middle East, with allies and partners, continues to be a top priority. Those who choose the path of terrorism should expect the same fate as Sinwar.”