An operation against a high-ranking Islamic State leader took place in Idlib governorate in Syria

An operation against a high-ranking Islamic State leader took place in Idlib governorate in Syria. Representatives of the Syrian Ministry of Defense, who provided perimeter security, soldiers of the US-led international coalition, and Iraqi special forces took part in the operation. According to reports, the operation began with the landing of American troops from five helicopters in the town of Atma. The military attempted to detain a certain Ali, an Iraqi citizen. When the house was being stormed, the suspect jumped out of a window to escape. The military caught and killed him. The jihadist's body was taken to a hospital near the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey. Syrian media, citing their sources, reported that the Iraqi citizen had rented the house under a false name and lived there with several foreign wives. According to journalists, Ali was the alias of the current IS leader Abu Hafs Al-Hashimi Al-Quraishi, who took up this position in March 2023. At this point, no one has confirmed Al-Quraishi's death.