US Special Forces Kill IS Leader in Syria, Lebanese Terrorist Released After 40 Years in France

International News: In a high-risk counter-terrorism mission on Friday, U.S. military forces stormed a suspected Islamic State (IS) hideout in northwestern Syria. The Pentagon’s Central Command confirmed that the operation resulted in the death of IS leader Dhia Jawaba Muslih al-Haradani and his two sons in the Aleppo region.

The three were reportedly posing a serious threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as to the newly formed Syrian government. Fortunately, the raid was conducted with extreme caution. Three women and three children who were at the location during the raid were left unharmed.

Operation Details Kept Confidential

Although exact details were not shared, the U.S. military hinted that the raid involved special operations commandos, possibly supported by attack helicopters and drones. Such ground operations carry greater risk than drone strikes, as soldiers are directly involved and exposed to enemy fire.

A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that there were no American casualties in this mission. Notably, this was the first raid of its kind in 2025 by the U.S.-led coalition against IS.

IS Threat Still Alive

Even after the fall of its so-called caliphate, the Islamic State still remains a significant threat in the Middle East. Intelligence reports suggest that the group is attempting to reorganize and expand its network, especially in parts of Syria and Iraq.

This recent raid serves as a reminder that IS remains a global security challenge and that counter-terror operations are far from over.

Georges Ibrahim Abdullah Released After 40 Years

Lebanese Militant Reaches Home Following Court Order

In a separate international development, Georges Ibrahim Abdullah, a Lebanese pro-Palestinian militant, returned to Lebanon on Friday after spending more than 40 years in French custody. The 74-year-old was previously under house arrest following a life sentence.

He was found guilty of participating in the 1982 killings of two foreign diplomats—an American and an Israeli—in Paris. His case became a point of tension between Lebanon and France over the years.

French Court Imposes Strict Conditions

The Paris Appellate Court ruled last week that Abdullah would be allowed to walk free, provided he permanently leaves France and never comes back. French authorities handed him over to Lebanese officials upon his arrival in Beirut.

Mixed Reactions Across the Globe

Abdullah’s return sparked controversy. Many in Lebanon greeted him as a political hero, while human rights groups and the families of the victims expressed strong disapproval. The United States had previously requested France to continue holding him, citing his past crimes and ongoing influence.

A Complex Fight Against Global Terrorism

These two incidents highlight the dual nature of the global war on terror—one fought on the battlefield and the other in courtrooms and diplomatic corridors. While the U.S. continues to hunt down active threats like IS, Europe faces difficult legal and political decisions regarding long-held prisoners and international justice.