US strikes target senior Al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Oct 27 (KUNA) -- The US is assessing airstrikes it conducted on Sunday against two senior Al-Qaeda leaders in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced late Wednesday.
The strikes targeted Faruq Al-Qatani, the group's Amir for the northeastern portion of Afghanistan. He was a senior planner for attacks against the US and has a "long history" of attacks against US forces and allies. Senior operative Bilal Al-Utabi was also targeted and has been involved in efforts to establish safe havens and training foreign fighters, the statement said.
"We are still assessing the results of the strikes, but their demise would represent a significant blow to the terrorist group's presence in Afghanistan, which remains committed to facilitating attacks against the United States, our allies, and partners," Pentagon Spokesperson Peter Cook said.
Al-Qatani and Al-Utabi were at "command-and-control" locations in remote areas of Kunar Province during the strikes, he added. (end) ak.gta