afrinpost– Exclusive
Recent evidence confirms that Maher Al-Akal, also known as the self-proclaimed “Amir of Bilad al-Sham” (Greater Syria), was not the highest-ranking ISIS leader present in Afrin. Turkish President Erdogan himself revealed that the top terrorist figurehead was also located in the region. With Erdogan announcing the “neutralization” of the wanted individual known as Al-Qurashi in Afrin, questions arise about why Afrin has become a safe haven that provides protection to ISIS leaders and their elements.
afrinpost has obtained exclusive information regarding the operation to eliminate Abu Hussein Al-Qurashi, the leader of the terrorist organization ISIS, in the village of Miskê, located in the Jindires sub-district. The Turkish President Erdogan himself took the initiative to announce the news during a televised interview.
According to reliable sources, the ownership of the villa where the operation took place belongs to the displaced citizen Mohammed Kurda (Mohammed Ahmed Omar). However, the villa was seized by the Turkish-backed Jaish al-Sharqiya militia since the occupation of Afrin in March 2018.
The villa is situated near the Miskê-Sindiyankê road. Concerned about the safety of the villa’s resident, the Jaish al-Sharqiya militia established a security checkpoint in front of it and imposed strict surveillance around its perimeter.
It appears that a military operation carried out by the international coalition forces on July 12, 2022, targeting Maher Al-Akal, also known as Abu Braa, the so-called Amir of Bilad al-Sham, and his cousin, Manhal Al-Akal, has prompted the militia to intensify protective measures. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the location targeted, where Al-Akal was present, is merely 4 kilometers away from the villa, located in the village of Khalta/Khaltan. As part of these measures, the militia recently erected a wall around the villa.
According to our information, the Turkish security operation began with a direct drone strike, followed by armed clashes with individuals inside the villa, presumed to be Al-Qurashi’s associates. The clashes resulted in the death of three individuals, including the aforementioned Abu Hussein Al-Qurashi, as widely circulated, and two of his companions. However, no information has been confirmed regarding any casualties among the attacking force.
Sources confirm the continued security cordon around the targeted villa and the presence of Turkish intelligence elements in Miskê village, accompanied by heightened alertness among militia fighters.
A correspondent from the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) in northern Syria reported that the operation targeted an abandoned farm previously used as an Islamic school.
In a related context, the Turkish state-owned Anadolu Agency mentioned the name of the targeted ISIS leader as Abu Hussein Hussein Al-Qurashi, who joined ISIS in 2013 and quickly rose through the ranks. Anadolu Agency further stated that the Turkish intelligence agency conducted a four-hour operation, during which they identified and besieged Al-Qurashi on Saturday.
Anadolu Agency reported that Al-Husseini detonated his suicide belt when he realized he was about to be captured. No casualties were reported among the attacking security forces
