Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Strike Against al-Qaeda Leader in Syria
Nov. 2, 2016

U.S. forces conducted an airstrike on Oct. 17 in Marib Governorate, Syria, killing Haydar Kirkan, a long-serving and experienced facilitator and courier for al-Qaeda in Syria.‎

Kirkan had ties to al-Qaeda’s senior leaders including Osama bin Laden, and was the group’s senior external terror attack planner in Syria. He was also responsible for facilitating al-Qaeda’s efforts in Turkey and Europe.

Al-Qaeda continues to be a threat to the United States, and remains committed to carrying out terrorist attacks against the West. We will work with our partners and allies to find and eliminate the group’s leaders wherever they are in order to protect the homeland.