Published: 15:13, July 25, 2025
US-led coalition forces raid northern Syria, detain Islamic State leader
By Xinhua
In this photo provided by the Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, a Syrian Civil Defense worker checks the explosion scene in Maarat Misrin village, in Idlib province, north Syria, July, 24, 2025. (PHOTO / SYRIAN CIVIL DEFENSE WHITE HELMETS VIA AP)

DAMASCUS - US-led coalition forces conducted a helicopter-supported raid in northern Syria early Thursday, capturing a senior Islamic State (IS) commander along with several others, local media and monitoring groups reported.

Three coalition helicopters were seen flying at low altitude over the city of al-Bab, in the eastern countryside of Aleppo province, as special forces surrounded a neighborhood and stormed a residential building, according to the private 'Syria TV' channel.

The raid prompted a heavy security deployment, with streets sealed off by the new Syrian authorities during the arrest operation.

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Local sources told Television of Syria that units from Syria's defense and interior authorities were also involved in the mission.

The detained IS commander, whose identity had not been officially disclosed, was reportedly wanted for his role in leading remnants of the extremist group in the region.

US-led coalition forces have regularly carried out raids against IS targets in northern Syria, particularly in areas where the IS remains active.