US-Led Coalition Kills Senior ISIS Leader, Captures Commander in NW Syria

A U.S.-led coalition conducted a pre-dawn raid in Atmeh, Idlib province, northwest Syria, targeting a senior Islamic State (IS) leader, resulting in the death of Salah Numan Al Jubouri, who was responsible for ISIS financing and fighter movements between Syria and Iraq. The operation involved coalition forces carrying out an air drop and raiding a house where Al Jubouri lived with his family, fatally shooting him after he attempted to flee by jumping from a balcony. Iraqi intelligence played a key role in the operation, which also led to the arrest of Al Jubouri's wives. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the capture of an IS commander named Abu Hafs al-Qurashi during the same raid, with some sources suggesting he was taken into custody while Al Jubouri was killed, though the U.S. military has not confirmed these details. The raid underscores ongoing efforts by the U.S. and allied forces to dismantle IS leadership despite the group's territorial defeat in Syria and Iraq years ago, as militants continue to carry out attacks. This operation coincides with the U.S. transitioning its military mission in Iraq to a bilateral security partnership, with plans to end the coalition's mission against ISIS soon and withdraw remaining troops by 2026.