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Coalition Strike Kills Senior ISIL Leader

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A Sept. 7 coalition precision strike near Raqqah, Syria, targeted and killed "Dr. Wa'il," also known as Wa'il Adil Hasan Salman al-Fayad, one of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's most-senior leaders, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a statement issued today.

Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve logo. DoD graphic
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Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve logo. DoD graphic
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The deceased terrorist had operated as the minister of information for the terror organization and was a prominent member of its Senior Shura Council -- ISIL's leadership group, Cook said.

ISIL Propagandist

Wa'il oversaw ISIL's production of terrorist propaganda videos showing torture and executions, the press secretary said.

Cook said Wa’il was a close associate of Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, the ISIL spokesman and leader who plotted and inspired external terror attacks. Al-Adnani was successfully struck and killed by coalition forces Aug. 30.

The removal of ISIL's senior leaders degrades its ability to retain territory, and its ability to plan, finance, and direct attacks inside and outside of the region, Cook said.

“We will continue to work with our coalition partners to build momentum in the campaign to deal ISIL a lasting defeat,” the press secretary said.

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