ISIS leader in Syria killed in U.S. drone strike, Pentagon says

LONDON — A leader of the Islamic State group in Syria was killed in a drone strike on Tuesday, the U.S. military announced.

U.S. Central Command released a statement stating that Maher al-Agal, one of the top five leaders of ISIS — and the leader of ISIS in Syria — was killed in an airstrike in northwestern Syria.

Another senior ISIS leader was seriously injured in the attack, according to the Pentagon. Military officials said that based on CENTCOM's initial review, there were no civilian casualties.

"This strike reaffirms CENTCOM's steadfast commitment to the region and the enduring defeat of ISIS," spokesperson Col. Joe Buccino said. "The removal of these ISIS leaders will disrupt the terrorist organization's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks."

"ISIS continues to represent a threat to the U.S. and partners in the region," Buccino added. "CENTCOM maintains a sufficient and sustainable presence in the region and will continue to counter threats against regional security."

According to CENTCOM, "extensive planning" went into the operation, which happened near the town of Jindaris, close to the Turkish border.

ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was killed during a February raid conducted by U.S. special operations forces. Al-Qurayshi reportedly detonated a bomb during a raid of his hideout, killing himself and members of his family.

Cover thumbnail photo via Getty Images