Top Islamic State Leader Eliminated in Coalition-backed Operation

The Iraqi counterterrorism service confirmed the elimination of a senior Islamic State leader, Omar Abdul Qader Bassam, during a strategic operation in Syria conducted with the support of the U.S.-led international coalition.

Identified by his alias, Abdul Rahman Al-Halabi, Bassam served as the head of external operations and security for the group. He was linked to various attacks, such as the bombing of Iran's embassy in Lebanon, as well as planning thwarted attacks in Europe and the United States.

U.S. Central Command has intensified its campaign by executing a series of strikes against Islamic State operatives in Syria, amid concerns about the group's resurgence following the end of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime last December.

(With inputs from agencies.)