Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Airstrike Against ISIL Senior Leader
Sept. 16, 2016

On Sept. 7, coalition forces conducted a precision strike near Raqqah, Syria, that targeted and killed “Dr. Wa’il”, also known as Wa’il Adil Hasan Salman al-Fayad, one of ISIL’s most senior leaders. He operated as the minister of Information for the terror organization and was a prominent member of its Senior Shura Council – ISIL’s leadership group.

Wa’il oversaw ISIL’s production of terrorist propaganda videos showing torture and executions. He was a close associate of Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, the ISIL spokesman and leader for plotting and inspiring external terror attacks. Al-Adnani was successfully struck and killed by coalition forces on Aug. 30.

The removal of ISIL’s senior leaders degrades its ability to retain territory, and its ability to plan, finance, and direct attacks inside and outside of the region. We will continue to work with our coalition partners to build momentum in the campaign to deal ISIL a lasting defeat.