A notorious ISIS leader identified as Adnan Abou Walid al-Sahraoui has been assassinated by the French military in West Africa.
The United States of America had placed a price tag of $5million (£3.5m) on its head for killing US special forces soldiers.
It was gathered that the terrorist was assassinated four years after ordering an attack in Niger which led to the death of four US servicemen, while several others were injured.
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on Thursday morning, confirmed that Al- Sahraoui, who is also known as Lehbib Ould, has been killed.
Macron in a post on Twitter wrote, “Adnan Abou Walid al Sahraoui, leader of the terrorist group Islamic State in the Greater Sahara was neutralised by French forces.
“This is another major success in our fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel.”
However, no information was released on how Al-Sahraoui was killed and where or when the attack on the terrorist was carried out.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of Élysée Palace, said the ISIS leader has been killed.
The President of France in August had vowed to pull many of his troops out of the Sahel, which covers the likes of Niger and Mali.
He, however, stated that the special forces with the support of airpower and armed drones would continue the hunt for lead terrorists.
Mr Macon wrote: “The nation is thinking this evening of all its heroes who died for France in the Sahel, in the Serval and Barkhane operations, of the bereaved families, of all of its wounded.
“Their sacrifice is not in vain. With our African, European and American partners, we will continue this fight.”
The US State Department in October 2019, offered $5million for any information leading to the capture or killing of Al-Sahraoui.
This is coming after ISIS ordered an attack which led to the deaths of Army Sgt David Johnson, 25; Staff Sgt Bryan Black, 35; Staff Sgt Jeremiah Johnson, 39; and Staff Sgt Dustin Wright, 29.
The attack led to the death of Four Nigerien troops, two American soldiers while eight Nigerien soldiers were severely wounded.
Al-Sahrawi January 2018 claimed responsibility for the ambush, as he built up his reputation within ISIS.
Adnan Abou Walid Al-Sahraoui also admitted to “personally ordering” the assassination of six French aid workers and their local guide and driver in August 2020.
