US Military Kills Senior Al-Qaeda-Linked Militant in Syria
BEIRUT, August 24, 2024 – TheUnited States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that its forces had killed a senior leader of the Hurras al-Din militant group in a targeted strikein Syria. The individual, identified as Al-Maki, was a key figure in the group, which is known for its close ties to Al-Qaeda.
The strike, which took place on Wednesday, was conducted in accordance with US President Joe Biden’s authorization for targeted counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda and its affiliates. CENTCOM emphasized that Al-Maki played a significant rolein the group’s operations and posed a direct threat to US interests in the region.
Hurras al-Din is an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group based in Syria, stated a CENTCOM press release. It sharesAl-Qaeda’s global agenda of attacking US and Western interests.
The group, which emerged in 2018, has been active in northwestern Syria, primarily in the Idlib province. It has been responsible for numerous attacks against Syrian government forces and allied militias, as well as for targeting civilians.
The US has long been engaged in a counterterrorism campaign against Al-Qaeda and its affiliates in Syria, particularly since the withdrawal of US troops from the country in 2021. The Biden administration has maintained a presence in the region, conducting airstrikes and supporting local partners in the fight against extremism.
The killing of Al-Maki is a significant blow to Hurras al-Din and its operations in Syria. It underscores the US commitment to targeting Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, regardless of their location.
However, the strike also raises concerns about potential civilian casualties and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict in Syria. Critics of the US military campaign argue that such strikes often result in unintended civilian deaths and contribute to the instability and humanitarian crisis in the country.
The US government has consistently maintained that it takes all necessary precautions to minimize civilian casualties in its counterterrorism operations. However, independent investigations have often contradicted these claims, highlighting thedifficulty in accurately assessing the impact of such strikes.
The killing of Al-Maki is likely to have a ripple effect on the Syrian conflict, potentially leading to increased tensions between the US and its allies and the various factions fighting in the country. It also raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of targeted killings incombating terrorism and the need for alternative strategies to address the root causes of extremism.
The international community is closely watching the situation in Syria, urging all parties to prioritize civilian protection and engage in a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The killing of Al-Maki serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and the complex challenges facing the US and its allies in combating terrorism in the region.
【来源】https://news.ifeng.com/c/8cJTvTXPZUe
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