Syria: U.S. 'kills' top Islamic State leader
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 May 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Syria: U.S. 'kills' top Islamic State leader, 16 May 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565bab329.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 16, 2015
The United States says a U.S. commando raid has led to the killing of a top Islamic State leader in eastern Syria.
The White House said in a statement on May 16 that President Barack Obama ordered the raid that killed Abu Sayyaf, who helped direct the extremist group's oil, gas, and financial operations.
The Reuters news agency says this was the first known U.S. special forces operation inside Syria apart from a failed secret effort to rescue a number of U.S. and other foreign hostages held by Islamic State last year.
White House National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said the operation was conducted from Iraq with the full consent of Iraqi authorities. She said the White House did not warn or coordinate with the Syrian government.
Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
