U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces killed ISIS external operations planner Omar Abdul Qader in a raid in Syria on September 19th. CENTCOM stated that Abdul Qader was actively plotting attacks against the United States and its allies. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper confirmed the operation, stating, "We will not yield in our pursuit of terrorists seeking to attack the United States, our forces, or allies and partners abroad." He commended the "skilled warfighters and all who supported them during the mission." The death of Abdul Qader is expected to disrupt the terrorist organization's capacity to plan and execute future attacks. Separately, Iraqi intelligence provided Syria with evidence that thwarted a suicide bombing attempt targeting Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara in Damascus. This intelligence sharing is part of an Iraqi-Syrian security coordination aimed at dismantling ISIS cells planning sectarian operations. In related news, plans are underway for a meeting between President Ahmed Al-Shara and U.S. President Donald Trump during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. A report from The Times of Israel also detailed a recent visit by American Jews to Damascus, offering a travelogue from the Syrian capital.
