It has been reported today by ISIS news agency Amaq that the terror group’s spokesperson, Mohammad al-Adnani, has been killed. The outlet said in a statement that al-Adnani was killed in the midst of inspecting military operations in Aleppo. No further information was given on the exact cause of death.
ISIS had this (admittedly insane quote) to say on this occasion:
“After a journey filled with sacrifice and fight against non-believers, the Syrian Gallant knight, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, joined the convoy of martyr leaders…to the filthy and coward non-believers and to the holders of the Christ emblem, we bring the good news, which will keep them awake, that a new generation in the Islamic State … that loves death more than life … this generation will only grow steadfast on the path to Jihad, stay determined to seek revenge and be violent toward them.”
Al-Adnani, possibly the most public face of the terrorist “caliphate”, was known for encouraging supporters in the West to carry out lone-wolf style attacks in countries joining in the US-led coalition to defeat the group, calling it a “religious duty”. It has even been said that he was next in line to take the helm as ISIS’ leader should anything happen to current head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. A reward for $5 million had been announced by the US State Department for information leading to this “specially designated global terrorist”.
Al-Adnani’s death is the highest profile killing of an ISIS figure at this time.
Good riddance.