Biden says ISIS leader killed in US raid in Syria

President BidenJoe BidenOath Keepers leader spoke to Jan. 6 panel from detention center Biden nominee faces scrutiny over fintech work, compensation Overnight Defense & National Security — Pentagon deploying 3,000 troops to Europe MORE announced early Thursday that a U.S. raid in Syria on Wednesday killed the leader of the Islamic State terrorist group, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi.

“Last night at my direction, U.S. military forces in northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place,” Biden said in a statement.

“Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS. All Americans have returned safely from the operation,” Biden added.

Biden didn’t offer any more information in his statement on the raid. He is expected to deliver remarks on the raid later Thursday morning, before leaving for a scheduled trip to New York.

The New York Times reported that al-Qurayshi died at the start of the operation by blowing up himself and members of his family with a bomb.

The Pentagon disclosed the raid by U.S. special operations forces late Wednesday evening, describing it as “successful” and saying that there were no American casualties.

“More information will be provided as it becomes available,” Pentagon press secretary John KirbyJohn KirbyOvernight Defense & National Security — Pentagon deploying 3,000 troops to Europe US sending fighter jets, warship to UAE amid Houthi attacks Pentagon deploying 3,000 troops to allies in Europe amid tensions with Russia MORE said in a brief statement.

Thirteen people, including children and women, were reportedly killed in the counterterrorism operation, which took place around a two-story home in Atmeh near the border between Syria and Turkey, according to The Associated Press.

The raid reportedly involved some two dozen U.S. forces as well as military helicopters that hovered over the building.

The White House released a photo on Twitter of Biden, Vice President Harris, and members of their national security team observing the raid.

–Updated at 8:46 a.m.