ISIS leader Usamah al-Muhajir was killed by U.S. forces in an airstrike in eastern Syria on Friday, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released on Sunday.
The strike was carried out by MQ-9 Reaper drones, which had earlier encountered harassment from Russian aircraft in the region. The incidents occurred on the same day, with the drones launching the strike after the interaction with the Russian craft.
"We have made it clear that we remain committed to the defeat of ISIS throughout the region," said CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Kurilla. "ISIS remains a threat, not only to the region but well beyond."
CENTCOM clarified that there were no indications of civilian casualties in the strike, but reports of a civilian injury were being assessed by the U.S. and its allies.
The U.S. and its allies have been conducting a consistent campaign against remaining ISIS leaders in Syria. In 2019, the U.S. killed the head of the organization, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in a raid. Since then, ISIS forces have operated in smaller cells.
The MQ-9 drones involved in the attack had encountered Russian SU-35 fighter jets multiple times throughout the week. The Russian aircraft repeatedly flew into the path of the drones, forcing them to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
"Russian military aircraft engaged in unsafe and unprofessional behavior... endangering the safety of all aircraft involved," said Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the 9th AF and CFACC for CENTCOM. He added that this was the second instance of dangerous behavior by Russian pilots within 24 hours.
The U.S. military has called on Russian forces in Syria to cease their reckless behavior and adhere to professional standards. The focus should be on the enduring defeat of ISIS, according to Grynkewich.
The U.S. currently has approximately 900 troops deployed in Syria, primarily working with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in their fight against Islamic State militants.
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