US strikes al-Qaeda-linked group's 'senior leader' in Syria

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US military said Monday that it carried out a strike targeting a "senior leader" of an al-Qaeda-linked group in Syria.

"CENTCOM Forces conducted a kinetic strike in Idlib province, Syria, June 27, targeting Abu Hamzah al Yemeni, a senior leader of Hurras al-Din, an Al Qaeda-aligned terrorist organization," said the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement.

Al Yemeni was traveling alone on a motorcycle at the time of the strike, according to the statement.

It also said no civilian casualties occurred during the strike.

"Violent extremist organizations, including Al Qaeda-aligned organizations such as Hurras al-Din, continue to present a threat to America and our allies. Al Qaeda-aligned militants use Syria as a safe haven to coordinate with their external affiliates and plan operations outside of Syria," it said.

"The removal of this senior leader will disrupt Al Qaeda's ability to carry out attacks against U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians around the world.”