Senior ISIS Leader Killed in U.S. Raid Backed by Iraqi Intelligence

AFP

U.S. warplane.

Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) announced on Friday, 25 July 2025, the killing of a senior leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organisation, along with two of his associates, in a targeted U.S. operation in Aleppo Governorate, northern Syria. The raid was conducted based on intelligence provided by the CTS and the result of coordinated security efforts.

In a statement received by PUKMEDIA, the CTS said: “Based on information and the intensive security and intelligence efforts of the heroes of the CTS, international coalition forces carried out an airdrop operation deep inside Syrian territory, specifically in Aleppo Governorate. The operation resulted in the killing of one of the most dangerous leaders of the ISIS terrorist gangs, along with two of his companions.”

The statement identified the militant as a former “Wali of the Euphrates Province and member of the Delegated Committee” within ISIS, who was serving as the so-called “Wali of Goodness and Blessing” – a senior role within the terrorist organisation.

The CTS added that the target was considered “a top, active, and very effective target” and had been eliminated on the basis of judicial arrest warrants issued by a CTS judge.

The service affirmed its continued commitment to tracking down the remnants of terrorist networks, both within Iraq and beyond its borders: “Our security forces and their intelligence efforts continue their strategic missions to pursue the remnants of terrorist groups, both within national borders and within the depths of external threats.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation earlier in the day, stating:

"Early this morning in al-Bab, Aleppo Governate, Syria, CENTCOM Forces conducted a raid resulting in the death of senior ISIS Leader, Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, and his two adult ISIS-affiliated sons, Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani," the CENTCOM said in a statement.

"These ISIS individuals posed a threat to US and Coalition Forces, as well as the new Syrian Government. Three women and three children were also on the target and were unharmed."

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists wherever they are. ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate, and where they hide. Alongside our partners and allies, U.S. Central Command is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists that threaten the region, our allies, and our homeland,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, U.S. Central Command Commander.



PUKMEDIA