IS leader killed during US raid in Syria; informed US prez

US president said Islamic State group leader was killed during an overnight raid carried out by US special forces in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, informed President Joe Biden. Rescue workers said women and children were among at least 13 people killed during the raid. The operation came as IS has been trying for a resurgence, with a series of attacks in the region, including a 10-day assault late last month to seize a prison.

US special forces landed in helicopters and assaulted a house in a rebel-held corner of Syria, clashing for two hours with gunmen, witnesses said. The operation marked a military success for the United States at an important time after setbacks elsewhere – including the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal – have led allies and opponents to conclude U.S. power globally was weakening.