The US says it has killed Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Yusif in Syria.
US Central Command Forces (Centcom) said it carried out an airstrike targeting Yusif – who also goes by Mahmud – in the east of the country.
Another IS operative was also killed in the strike, according to US officials.
This strike was conducted in an area formerly controlled by the Syrian regime and Russian forces.
Centcom commander, general Michael Erik Kurilla, said: “As stated before, the United States – working with allies and partners in the region – will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute.
“IS has the intent to break out of detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in facilities in Syria.
“We will aggressively target these leaders and operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to Syria.”
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