The head of ISIS in Syria, one of the top five leaders of the terrorist group, has been killed in an air strike, the US military said on Tuesday.
The US Central Command said Maher Al Agal had been killed in the drone strike in Jindayris, north-west Syria, and a close associate was seriously injured.
“Extensive planning went into this operation to ensure its successful execution," Central Command said. "An initial review indicates there were no civilian casualties."
US President Joe Biden praised the planning of the operation.
"This air strike represents the culmination of determined and meticulous intelligence work and stands as testament to the bravery and skill of our armed forces," Mr Biden said.
Central Command said Al Agal was responsible for developing ISIS networks outside Iraq and Syria.
"His death in Syria takes a key terrorist off the field and significantly degrades the ability of ISIS to plan, resource and conduct their operations in the region," Mr Biden said,
Reports also circulated on social media on Tuesday of a drone strike in Afrin, a district occupied by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and also home to the town of Jindayris.
The terrorist's death represents another episode in the downward spiral of an organisation which once controlled much of eastern Syria and about a third of Iraq.
The killing would be another blow to ISIS efforts to reorganise as a guerrilla force after losing large areas of territory across the region.
But analysts warn that killing terrorist commanders, sometimes called a "decapitation" strategy, disrupts operations and may not result in the long-term defeat of the terror groups.
The most notorious ISIS commander, Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, who led the group from its rise until it was able to take over entire cities, died in a US Special Forces raid in October 2019, while hiding out in Idlib, northern Syria.
That province, long a bastion of anti-Syrian regime resistance, had never been controlled by ISIS and was held by militants linked to Al Qaeda.
Al Baghdadi was succeeded by Muhammad Al Mawla, who was killed in a US Special Forces raid in Syria on February 3. Both militants blew themselves up during the raids.
Al Agal’s fate echoed the demise of many ISIS commanders since the group lost tens of thousands of fighters in Mosul ― a bloody urban battle with Iraqi forces backed by coalition air power and advisers that finished almost exactly five years ago.
Three months later, the group lost its last Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.
Without this key terrain and surrounding smaller towns, ISIS lost much of its income gained through taxation of locals. Commanders have been forced to seek shelter in areas no longer under their control.
In Syria, groups tied to Al Qaeda, including a coalition of militants known as Hayat Tahrir Al Sham who occupy Idlib, rose to prominence, attracting former ISIS members who no longer regarded Al Baghdadi's organisation as the most effective militant force.
In Iraq, security forces trained by the coalition have increased their confidence on the battlefield and communities once controlled by the militants are no longer willing to offer them support, traumatised by memories of the terrorists' rule.
Surviving ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria have been forced to operate in the most remote regions, including Iraq's rugged Hamrin mountains, although the group has had a little more success in eastern Syria.
In June, a large force of ISIS fighters tried to free prisoners from a detention centre run by US-backed Kurdish forces in Raqqa, leading to intense fighting and the death of hundreds of Kurdish fighters and suspected ISIS members.
Dubai World Cup Carnival Thursday race card
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m
9.25pm: Handicap $135,000 (D) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
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iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
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iPhone XS Max
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Apple Watch Series 4
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Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
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Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
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Our family matters legal consultant
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
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Soum: $4m
imVentures: $100m
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Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
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