US Military Reveals It Has Killed Senior Leader of Al Qaeda-Aligned Group

U.S. military says it has eliminated a key Al-Qaeda-aligned leader in precision strike, reaffirming commitment to regional stability.

At a Glance

U.S. says drone strike has killed Abu Abdul Rahman Makki, a senior leader of Horas al-Din in Syria
Makki was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria
Strike occurred in Idlib province, an area controlled by opposition forces
U.S. remains committed to defeating terrorists threatening regional stability

Precision Strike Eliminates Al-Qaeda-Aligned Leader

In a significant development, the U.S. military says it has successfully eliminated Abu Abdul Rahman Makki, a senior leader of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group Horas al-Din. The precision strike, carried out by a U.S. drone, took place in the Jabal al-Zawiya area of Idlib province, northwestern Syria, a region largely controlled by opposition forces.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation, emphasizing its commitment to regional security. Makki, a Saudi national, allegedly held a prominent position within Horas al-Din, serving on the group’s Shura Council and overseeing terrorist operations from Syria. His elimination marks a blow to the group’s leadership structure and operational capabilities.

A local media activist said the motorcycle the senior leader was riding was hit by two missiles. https://t.co/QvelDPzTgg

— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) August 24, 2024

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Terrorism

This latest strike underscores the U.S. military’s persistent efforts to dismantle terrorist networks that pose a threat to American interests and regional stability. The U.S.-led coalition, initially established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State group, continues to target extremist elements in Syria and neighboring countries.

“CENTCOM remains committed to the enduring defeat of terrorists … who threaten the United States, its allies and partners, and regional stability,” CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla stated.

Horas al-Din, also known as the “Guardians of Religion,” is reportedly comprised of hardcore Al-Qaeda members who split from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, another extremist group operating in the region. The organization’s global aspirations and intentions to conduct attacks against U.S. and Western interests make it a priority target for counterterrorism operations.

Details of the Operation

According to local media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Makki was targeted while riding a motorcycle. The precision strike reportedly involved two missiles, highlighting the advanced capabilities of U.S. forces in conducting such operations with minimal collateral damage.

Makki’s history in extremist circles extends beyond his role in Horas al-Din. He was previously identified as a former leader of the now-defunct Jund al-Aqsa militant group, demonstrating his long-standing involvement in the region’s complex web of terrorist organizations.

Implications for Regional Security

The elimination of Abu Abdul Rahman Makki represents a development in the ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks operating in Syria and the broader Middle East. As the U.S. maintains a presence of around 900 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition, such targeted strikes play a crucial role in degrading the capabilities of extremist groups and protecting American interests abroad.

As the international community continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism, operations like the one that neutralized Makki serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the determination of the United States and its allies to confront these threats head-on. The success of this mission not only disrupts the immediate plans of Horas al-Din but also sends a clear message to other terrorist groups operating in the region.