- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US military carried out a precision airstrike in Syria this past weekend, targeting and killing a senior member of an Al-Qaeda affiliate. The operation, led by US Central Command (CENTCOM), focused on eliminating a key figure in the terror group Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda-linked organisation active in the region.
On February 15, CENTCOM confirmed that it successfully executed the airstrike in northwest Syria, eliminating the group's senior finance and logistics official. This individual had been instrumental in the operational capabilities of HaD, a group that has been closely associated with Al-Qaeda's global jihadist activities.
President Donald Trump praised the successful operation, calling it "justice for another Jihadi threatening America and our allies". He extended congratulations to CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla and the US forces involved in the strike, underscoring the importance of combating terrorism in the region and ensuring the safety of American citizens and allies. Trump also emphasised the strategic impact of the operation in dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Syria.
US forces conducted a precision airstrike against a member of al-Qaeda in Syria this weekend. The terrorist leader was working with al-Qaeda across the region. Congratulations to CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla, and the US warfighters who dealt Justice to another Jihadi…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 18, 2025
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US Forces Deal Blow To Al-Qaeda Affiliate
The airstrike represents the latest in a series of US military efforts to target high-ranking members of terrorist groups operating in Syria, which has been a hotspot for various extremist organisations. Hurras al-Din, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has been a significant threat, working in collaboration with other terror factions to destabilize the region and attack US interests and its partners in the Middle East.
CENTCOM's statement further clarified that the airstrike was conducted in a precise manner to minimise civilian casualties, though such operations in conflict zones often carry inherent risks. The death of this senior operative is seen as a blow to HaD’s operations, particularly in its ability to finance and logistically support its activities across Syria and beyond.