US killed Islamic state leader accused of planning attacks in Middle East and Europe, via helicopter raid

United States: A US helicopter raid on northern Syria reportedly killed a senior Islamic State leader accused of planning attacks in Middle East and Europe, the US State Department said.

As per Pentagon the raid targeted Abd-al-Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali on Monday and was initiated after gathering intelligence that Islamic State was plotting to kidnap officials abroad.

“Though degraded, ISIS remains able to conduct operations within the region with a desire to strike beyond the Middle East,” General Michael Kurilla, who heads the US Central Command said.

Two weeks ago, US forces eliminated Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, another senior Islamic State leader who CENTCOM said was responsible for planning attacks in Europe and Turkey.