US soldiers and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces take part in military exercises in northern Syria. EPA
US soldiers and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces take part in military exercises in northern Syria. EPA
US soldiers and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces take part in military exercises in northern Syria. EPA
US soldiers and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces take part in military exercises in northern Syria. EPA

US forces capture ISIS official in Syria


Holly Johnston
  • English
  • Arabic

US forces have captured an ISIS official during a helicopter raid in northern Syria, Washington said.

Abu Halil Al Fadani, described as an operational and facilitation official for the terrorist group, was detained by US Central Command Forces on September 23, US Central Command said.

“The capture of ISIS officials like Al Fadani increases our ability to locate, target and remove terrorists from the battlefield,” Centcom spokesman Lt Col Troy Garlock said.

About 900 US troops are in Syria as part of the US-led coalition to defeat ISIS, which maintains a presence across Iraq and Syria.

US forces regularly conduct helicopter raids and air strikes against suspected ISIS militants in northern Syria.

Mr Al Fadani "was assessed to have relationships throughout the ISIS network in the region", Centcom said.

Remnants of ISIS often stage attacks against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a key US ally in the fight against the terrorist group.

American drones used in counter-terrorism operations have also been harassed by Russian aircraft, sparking criticism from Washington.

Senior US officials have warned ISIS could return to Syria "within one to two years" if American troops leave the country.

US troops also remain in Iraq, where coalition forces often stage air strikes against ISIS suspects in the northern Hamrin Mountains.

Their presence has been criticised, with Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani having said that Baghdad no longer needs US troops in the country.

Iraq has now formed a joint committee with the US to explore "future relations" with the international coalition.

About 5,000 American troops remained in Iraq as part of the US-led coalition after the recapture of Mosul from ISIS in 2017.

US troops numbers were reduced by President Donald Trump and American forces switched their focus to advising and training Iraqi forces in the fight against ISIS sleeper cells.

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Brief scores:

Toss: Northern Warriors, elected to field first

Bengal Tigers 130-1 (10 ov)

Roy 60 not out, Rutherford 47 not out

Northern Warriors 94-7 (10 ov)

Simmons 44; Yamin 4-4

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

Updated: September 26, 2023, 8:03 AM`