Russia says its airstrikes wounded al-Qaida leader in Syria
MOSCOW — Russia said Wednesday it carried out airstrikes in Syria this week that critically wounded the leader of an al-Qaida-linked group and killed 12 other militant commanders, a report that was categorically denied by the militants.
There was no immediate comment from Syrian activists who monitor the conflict on the fate of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee.
Russia has been waging an air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces since 2015, helping them to make major advances against the Islamic State group, al-Qaida-linked insurgents and mainstream rebels.
Syrian troops are currently closing in on the eastern city of Mayadeen, one of the last major IS strongholds in the country.