The US Central Command (CENTCOM) recently conducted an airstrike in Syria that resulted in the death of Usamah al-Muhajir, an ISIS leader in eastern Syria. According to the press statement, the strike was conducted using an MQ-9 reaper that had, earlier in the day, been harassed by Russian aircraft in an encounter that lasted almost two hours.

“We have made it clear that we remain committed to the defeat of ISIS throughout the region,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command. “ISIS remains a threat, not only to the region but well beyond," he added.

According to the US Central Command task force, the attack will disrupt and degrade ISIS’s ability to plan and conduct terror attacks. "However, operations against ISIS, alongside partner forces in Iraq and Syria, will continue to achieve the group’s enduring defeat," the force said in a statement.

As per a press note, there were no indications of any civilian deaths during the strike, however, the force is assessing reports of a civilian injury.

Commenting on the Russian interference, Lt Gen Alex Grynkewich, Commander, 9th AF (AFCENT) and Combined Forces Air Component Commander (CFACC) for CENTCOM said, “ We urge Russian forces in Syria to cease this reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of behavior expected of a professional air force so we can resume our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS.”