US-led forces have killed 10 Islamic State leaders in air strikes, a U.S. spokesman said, dealing a double blow to the militant group after Iraqi forces ousted it from the city of Ramadi.
An Islamic State leader with direct ties to the alleged mastermind of the Paris attacks was among 10 senior figures of the militant group killed in Syria and Iraq this month, the Pentagon says.
In a briefing from Baghdad, the US Army’s Colonel Steve Warren said the IS leaders, including external attack planners, extortionists and executioners, had been killed in air strikes.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi hoisted the national flag in Ramadi after army retook the city centre from Islamic State, a victory that could help vindicate his strategy for rebuilding the military after stunning defeats.