ISIS confirms the death of its leader and introduces his successor
The jihadist group Islamic State, ISIS, has announced the death of its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi.
An audio message from the group’s spokesperson indicates that he was killed in battle with the enemies of God, but did not provide further details.
The United States said he was killed in mid-October in an operation by the Free Syrian Army in southwestern Syria.
He became the leader of the group in March after his predecessor blew himself up during a raid by American forces in northwestern Syria.
The spokesperson named Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi as the successor to the previous ISIS leader, which seems to be his nom de guerre.
The spokesperson refrained from disclosing the real name, nationality, or background of this new commander.
He introduced Abu al-Hussein as one of the seasoned fighters and urged the group’s supporters to pledge allegiance to him.