US army announces killing senior al-Qaeda commander northwest Syria

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A US airstrike today in northwest Syria killed senior al-Qaeda leader Abdul Hamid al-Matar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday. 

“We have no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike, which was conducted using an MQ-9 aircraft,” CENTCOM said in a statement.  

It added that al-Qaeda continues to present a threat to America and allies. “Al-Qaeda uses Syria as a safe haven to rebuild, coordinate with external affiliates, and plan external operations.”

“he removal of this al-Qaeda senior leader will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians, the statement noted.

The CENTCOM stressed, the US will continue to target members of al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations who intend to harm the US homeland.

In the beginning of October, the American army declared the airstrike conducted on September 20 in Idlib city killed Salem Abu Ahmed, another senior leader in al-Qaeda organization.

“Salem Abu Ahmed was responsible for planning, funding and approving al-Qaeda transcontinental attacks,” US Army Maj. John Rigsbee, the US Central Command spokesperson, said to Military Times website.