Senior Al-Qaeda-Linked Terrorist Leader in Syria Eliminated by US Strike

August 24, 2024 TruthUSA

A U.S. drone strike has eliminated a senior figure affiliated with al-Qaeda in Syria, responsible for terrorist operations.

In a statement released on Aug. 23, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a senior leader of Hurras al-Din, an al-Qaeda-associated group in Syria, was killed in a U.S. military drone strike.

The target of the strike was Abu-‘Abd al-Rahman al-Makki, a prominent member of the group’s Shura Council who oversaw terrorist activities in Syria, as stated in the announcement.

Hurras al-Din, aligned with al-Qaeda and based in Syria, shares the same goal of targeting American and Western interests, according to CENTCOM.

Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that Al-Makki was riding a motorcycle at the time of the precision strike that ended his role in the jihadist networks of the region.

This operation underscores the continuous commitment of the U.S. to eliminate threats posed by terrorist organizations in the Middle East, especially those related to al-Qaeda.

In a statement, Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla affirmed, “CENTCOM remains steadfast in the everlasting defeat of terrorists within the CENTCOM area who pose a threat to the United States, its allies, partners, and regional stability.”

Recent military operations by U.S. forces against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have also been carried out. CENTCOM forces destroyed several Houthi-controlled missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on Aug. 22 and 23, which posed a direct threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea.

These actions demonstrate the increased state of alert in the region, especially given the concerns over potential Iranian attacks.

The Pentagon recently strengthened its military presence in the Middle East in response to intelligence suggesting possible significant attacks by Iran and its proxies on Israel and U.S. interests. The deployment included the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia among other reinforcements sent to the region.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated, “We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks, which is why, again, we have increased our force posture and capabilities in the region, even in just the last few days.”

The additional deployment of U.S. military assets aims to deter aggression and enhance defense capabilities for Israel amid escalating tensions in the region. The likelihood of a broader conflict has risen following the targeted killings of high-profile figures in the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah and Palestinian Hamas terrorist groups, raising concerns of a potential broader confrontation involving Iran.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held discussions with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Aug. 22 regarding the escalating threats from Iran and its proxies and the ongoing exchanges of fire on the Israel–Lebanon border.

Austin emphasized that the United States is closely monitoring attack planning by Iran and its allied groups, ensuring that U.S. forces are well-positioned to defend Israel and protect American personnel and facilities across the region.

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