A joint US-Iraq operation has successfully eliminated a top ISIS commander in northern Syria. The high-risk raid took place in the early hours of July 25 in al-Bab, a town in Syria’s Aleppo province.
The operation targeted Diaa Zoba’ Mislah al-Hardan, better known as Abu Abdullah al-Ansari. He coordinated ISIS operations across the Iraq-Syria border at a high command level. His two sons, who were part of his inner circle, also died in the raid.
The joint US-Iraq operation was guided by precise intelligence from Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS). According to CENTCOM, the mission involved air insertion and intense drone surveillance. The team struck a residential compound where the targets had been hiding.
Before launching the raid, forces used loudspeakers to urge the suspects to surrender. However, the situation escalated quickly. The special forces proceeded with the assault. No civilian or coalition casualties were reported.
Al-Hardan was originally from Iraq’s Anbar province. He began his militant journey with al-Qaeda before joining ISIS in 2013. Over time, he rose through the ranks and led ISIS’s “Wilayat al-Furat” and “Wilayat al-Khayr wal-Baraka” provinces. He played a key role in recruitment, smuggling, and cross-border logistics.
Security analysts view this raid as a strategic breakthrough. According to regional experts, al-Hardan managed ISIS’s financial and operational links between Iraq and Syria. His death deals a heavy blow to ISIS’s ability to coordinate transnational attacks.
Despite this success, experts warn the threat remains. ISIS still operates in unstable areas along the border. Without strong governance, new leaders could take al-Hardan’s place.
One intelligence officer noted, “The killing of a leader impacts operations, but ideology lives on.” Continued pressure, both militarily and politically, is essential to prevent a resurgence.
The joint US-Iraq operation not only removed a major threat but also demonstrated growing intelligence coordination between both countries. Yet, officials emphasize that the fight against terrorism is far from over.
