US Drone Strike Northwest Syria Kills Senior al-Qaeda Leader

This US Air Force handout photo shows an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) flying over the Nevada Test and Training Range on January 14, 2020.  William Rosado, AFP
This US Air Force handout photo shows an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) flying over the Nevada Test and Training Range on January 14, 2020. William Rosado, AFP
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US Drone Strike Northwest Syria Kills Senior al-Qaeda Leader

This US Air Force handout photo shows an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) flying over the Nevada Test and Training Range on January 14, 2020.  William Rosado, AFP
This US Air Force handout photo shows an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) flying over the Nevada Test and Training Range on January 14, 2020. William Rosado, AFP

The US military announced on Friday the killing of a senior al-Qaeda leader in a drone strike in Raqqa countryside, northwest Syria.

"A US airstrike today in northwest Syria killed senior al-Qaeda leader Abdul Hamid al-Matar," said Central Command spokesman Army Major John Rigsbee in a statement.

The strike was carried out in the Suluk region, northern Syria, which is under Turkey's control.

There were no known casualties from the strike, Rigsbee said, adding it was conducted using an MQ-9 "Reaper" aircraft.

"Al-Qaeda continues to present a threat to the US and our allies," he indicated, adding that the organization uses Syria as a haven to rebuild, coordinate with external affiliates, and plan external operations.

"The removal of this al-Qaeda senior leader will disrupt the terrorist organization's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks," he said.

Matar was a member of the Guardians of Religion Organization, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that former al-Nusra Front leader, Matar, was killed in an airstrike in the al-Raqqa countryside.

It wondered why such figures would reside in areas under Turkey's control in Syria.

Last July, the US Treasury announced new sanctions on several Syrian entities, including the "Ahrar al-Sharqiya" faction, its leader Abu Hatem Shaqra, and his cousin Abu Jaafar Shaqra.

In September, the Pentagon said it killed senior al-Qaeda leader Salim Abu Ahmed in an airstrike near Idlib.

According to Centcom, he had been responsible for "planning, funding, and approving trans-regional al-Qaeda attacks."

Rigsbee did not specify whether the strike that killed Matar was in response to Wednesday's attack on the al-Tanf military base in southeastern Syria near the borders with Iraq and Jordan.

On Wednesday, SOHR reported that several blasts were heard from the Al-Tanf base used by the US-led coalition near Syria's borders with Iraq and Jordan.

"Explosions resounded from the Al-Tanf base used by the US-led coalition," fighting ISIS, the Observatory said.

According to the monitor, a "drone attack" was responsible for the blasts, adding that it is still unknown whether ISIS or the Iranian militias are behind it.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, it reported.

The al-Tanf base in southern Syria was set up in 2016 as part of the fight against the ISIS terrorist group.

Syria and its allies have repeatedly said US troops had no reason to be there.

Iran-backed forces are deployed in the vicinity of the desert outpost, which sits on the strategically significant Baghdad-Damascus highway.



Senior Israeli Official: Al-Sharaa Is Clearly Our Enemy

Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
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Senior Israeli Official: Al-Sharaa Is Clearly Our Enemy

Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
Children ride in a truck as they are evacuated due to fears of Israeli army incursions, following a drone attack that reportedly killed at least four people in the area, on the outskirts of the village of Koayiah, southwestern Syria, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)

A senior Israeli official warned on Tuesday that the growing understandings between Syria and Türkiye could restrict Israel's operational freedom in Syria.

Regarding Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Haaretz newspaper quoted the senior official as saying, “He is a classic Islamist and clearly our enemy – without a doubt.”

The official added, "This is a strategic asset we must preserve. Türkiye’s goal is to limit Israeli activity in Syria. We have no interest in confrontation, but we won't give up our positions either."

The senior official also addressed the Israeli Army operations in Syria, stating, “We have full backing from the US president.”

Regarding the possibility of Türkiye establishing a base in Syria, he said, “We don't believe Erdogan will be the one to provide the funding.”

Lately, Israeli officials have voiced concerns over reports that Türkiye is considering establishing a military base in Syria.

Israeli security sources said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding security consultations to discuss concerns over Turkish influence in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime, and is trying to portray a confrontation with Ankara as inevitable.

The Hebrew website Walla, citing security sources, said Syria is holding contacts with Türkiye regarding the transfer of areas near Palmyra (central Syria) to the Turkish army in exchange for economic and military support for Damascus. This development sparked significant Israeli concerns, the sources said.
They noted that the new Syrian regime is working to restore military bases and enhance missile and defense capabilities in the south, near Israel.

Last Thursday, a Turkish Ministry of Defense source confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat reports about plans to establish a military base in Syria.

The source, who requested anonymity, said Türkiye is evaluating, in line with the new Syrian government's requests, the possibility of setting up a training base to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian military.

This statement was made in response to questions during a weekly press briefing by the Turkish Ministry of Defense, addressing recent reports regarding the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Palmyra, Homs province, and an airbase at the Menagh Military Airport in Aleppo province.

“All our activities in Syria are coordinated in advance with the relevant parties, and all necessary security measures are taken,” the source added.

Earlier last month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will defend itself against any threat from Syria, while vowing the military will continue working to keep southern Syria demilitarized.

“We will ensure that southern Syria remains demilitarized and free of threats, and we will protect the local Druze population - anyone who does harm to them will face out response,” he wrote on his X page.