Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi appears to have been killed. The IS made the death of its leader public on social networks, which made experts skeptical. But the American military confirmed the report.
(dpa/Reuters) The terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) has confirmed the death of its leader Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi and named a successor. The militia announced in an audio message on Wednesday that the new “Emir” will be Abu al-Husain al-Husaini al-Kuraishi. The previous leader was “killed in battle”, it said without further information. ISIS supporters were called on to continue their fight.
Dubious message
The authenticity of the message could not initially be verified. However, it was spread through the extremists’ usual social media channels and questioned by IS expert Hassan Hassan. Jihadists have often faked the deaths of their leaders and commanders to reduce pressure from intelligence and security forces.
However, the American military confirmed the death of the IS leader. He was killed by the Free Syrian Army in mid-October in the Syrian province of Daraa. The US military was not involved in the operation, a Pentagon spokesman said.
Predecessor died in February
It has not yet been revealed who was behind the battle name Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi. He had been appointed leader in March. He succeeded Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Kurashi, who was killed in a US military operation in north-west Syria in February. According to Washington, he blew himself up to avoid being held accountable for his actions.
For years, the IS controlled large areas in Iraq and in the neighboring civil war country Syria. In the meantime, the extremists have lost their dominion again. However, IS cells are still active in both countries. Observers warn that the jihadists could expand their influence again.