US President Joe Biden has issued an emergency statement as US special forces killed ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi during a counter-terrorism operation in Syria.
“Last night at my direction, U.S. military forces in the northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place. Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS. All Americans have returned safely from the operation. I will deliver remarks to the American people later this morning. May God protect our troops.” said Joe Biden yesterday.
Al-Qurayshi was killed when he detonated an explosive device that killed him and members of his own family, according to US President Joe Biden’s statement. At least 13 individuals were killed in the attack, many of them women and children.
Ten people, including eight children, had been evacuated successfully, according to US Pentagon officials.