Russia takes credit for strike that killed ISIS spokesman

by Nikita Vladimirov - 08/31/16 10:29 AM ET

The Russian Federation on Wednesday claimed responsibility for killing Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani.

“On August 30, 2016, the strike of a Russian bomber #Su34 carried out near the Maaratat-Um-Haush (#Aleppo province) has eliminated a large concentration of #ISIS militants (up to 40 people),” the Russian Ministry of Defense wrote in a statement on Facebook.

{mosads}”Among those terrorists, according to the information confirmed through several intelligence channels, there was the military leader Abu Mohammad al-Adnani known as the Spokesperson of the international terrorist organization the ‘Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.’ “

White House spokesman Josh Earnest noted the reports of Russian involvement in the strike, but told journalists traveling with President Obama aboard Air Force One on Wednesday that he is “not aware of any facts that would indicate [that].”

“I’m not in a position to confirm any facts related to any kind of Russian involvement in the operation that was carried out yesterday targeting Mr. al-Adnani,” he said.

Al-Adnani was one of the highest-ranking members of ISIS, second only to the leader of the radical group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

ISIS publicly announced the death of the spokesman Tuesday on their propaganda news agency Amaq.

“After a journey filled with sacrifice and fight against non-believers, the Syrian Gallant knight, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, joined the convoy of martyr leaders,” ISIS said.

The terror group pledged to seek revenge for the killing and bring about a “a new generation in the Islamic State.”

“To the filthy and coward nonbelievers and to the holders of the Christ emblem, we bring the good news, which will keep them awake, that a new generation in the Islamic State … that loves death more than life … this generation will only grow steadfast on the path to Jihad, stay determined to seek revenge and be violent toward them.”

—Jordan Fabian contributed to this report, which was updated at 11:44 a.m.