The overnight raid by U.S. forces that resulted in the death of IS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was made possible because of his involvement in the raid by forces of the Islamic State on a Kurdish run prison, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from his place of residence.
The jail, in the city of Al-Hasakah, in north east Syria was attacked in a battle that lasted nearly two weeks, and resulted in the escape of hundreds of prisoners.
Abu Ibrahim is believed to have commanded his forces, carrying out the attack against the predominantly Kurdish force that is backed by several hundred U.S. special forces fighters deployed to fight IS in the region.
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epaselect epa09710676 Fighters of the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) escort two IS members who just surrendered near Ghwayran prison in Hassakeh
(Photo: EPA)
There are two large prison facilities in the area, where thousands of former Islamic State fighters, who were captured by the Kurdish forces in 2017-2018, were being held.
Most remaining IS forces are concentrated west of the Euphrates, in Idlib province, from where they stage strikes against U.S. forces east of the river.
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Syria Democratic Forces take part in mop-up operations in Hasaka, northeastern Syria after retaking prison following IS attack
(Photo: EPA)
The Al Haskah prison, in what was previously, an ISIS stronghold, housed the prisoners including European nationals, and their families.
Some 300 IS members and 100 Kurdish forces were killed and only after the intervention of American missile fire, were the Kurds able to regain control of the facility and recapture some of the escaped prisoners.
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Syrian Democratic Forces soldiers hold a position in Hassakeh, northeast Syria where IS fighters carry out spectacular jail break
(Photo: AP)
According to Western sources, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was in communication with his fighters during the battle and some, who were in Idlib after they fled other parts of Syria, did not observe all possible security precautions.
Before the attack on the prison, the IS leader kept a low profile and his identity was known only to a few.
It seems some of the fighters, who were exhilarated by their apparent success revealed their leader's location and enabled the American forces to pinpoint the exact building where he was living with his family, near the border with Turkey.
First published: 20:47, 02.03.22