A first-generation al-Qaeda leader killed in Diyala: MP
A dead ISIS leader. A Photo
Diyala (IraqiNews.com) One of the earliest members of al-Qaeda in Iraq was killed Monday in Diyala, a parliament representative of the province was quoted saying.
Furat al-Tamimi told alsumaria News that “ a joint security team managed to kill Ali Mohamed Sahi in a special operation south of Beldruz (30 km east of Baqubah)”.
Tamimi said Sahi belonged to the earliest generation of al-Qaeda leaders in Diyala.
According to Tmaimi, Sahi joined the Islamic State after the militant group came to the forefront, noting that he leads “ one of the most dangerous terrorist cells in Diyala, especially at the Dainiya Basin”.
Sahi fled Mosul to Diyala after the city was recaptured by Iraqi troops in July.
“Islamic State’s sleeper cells remain a serious security threat in Diyala,” said Tamimi.
Al-Qaeda, which fought against U.S. troops following the 2003 invasion of Iraq against late president Saddam Hussein, has seen its militant activity disappearing with the rise of the Islamic State in 2014. Many members of the group are thought to have joined IS when the latter proclaimed a self-styled “caliphate” in Iraq and neighboring Syria in 2014.
Iraq declared victory over Islamic State this month, but security authorities are in efforts to clear remaining cells and hideouts.