IS Military Commander Severely Wounded in U.S. Strike

Islamic State (IS) military commander Omar al-Shishani (“The Chechen”), was targeted by a U.S. airstrike last Friday, March 4, 2016. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights state that al-Shishani may have survived the strike, but U.S. officials believe this is unlikely. Al-Shishani was reported to have been transferred to Raqqa after he sustained severe injuries, and was treated by European doctors who have joined the terrorist organization.

The U.S. State Department has a $5 million reward for the death of al-Shishani.

The strikes took place in al-Shaddadi, an IS stronghold that was recently taken by Syrian Kurdish fighters with the help of U.S. airstrikes. The city sits on a major supply line that links another major IS stronghold, Raqqa. IS soon after launched a counter offensive to regain control of the city, and al-Shishani was more than likely coordinating these efforts.

Al-Shishani’s position in IS has been equated to what would be Secretary of Defense. Born in Georgia, al-Shishani joined IS in 2013, but quickly rose through the ranks due to his intelligent military planning.

Al-Shishani served in the Georgian military from 2006-2008 where he fought against Russian forces. He was arrested soon after his military service for illegal possession of arms, and while in prison, it is believed he was radicalized by a fellow Saudi inmate.

A Pentagon spokesman stated al-Shishani’s removal from the battlefield will severely hamper IS’s ability to recruit foreign fighters and coordinate attacks. If Syrian Kurd and Iraqi forces could continue to pressure IS they could be able to regain significant amount of territory while al-Shishani is out of commission.

Al-Shishani’s removal from the battlefield may come at a perfect time. This past month IS killed over 670 people in Iraq alone. They have continued to target military personnel and civilians near Baghdad even though Iraqi forces have been pushing them back. By removing al-Shishani, IS’s ability to attack targets for outside their territory may be hindered.

While IS has been effective in the new year, they are continuing to experience major setbacks to their operations. The U.S. army’s Delta Force unit was recently given the green light to launch capture and kill missions in northern Iraq and Syria. Just one day after they were able to operate, they captured Sleiman Daoud al-Afari who has already given vital intelligence on IS chemical weapon depots. It is also believed that al-Afari gave the intelligence on al-Shishani’s position.

Earlier today it was revealed an IS defector leaked information on 20,000 IS members. This information will allow for intelligence agencies to better track and target IS positions and leaders.

The fight against IS is far from over, but the recent offensives made against the organization will provide momentum for future operations.