ISIS confirms death of senior leader

The death of a senior ISIS leader has been confirmed by a news agency linked to the militant group.

Omar Shishani died in March after injuries sustained in an American air strike, according to the US. The jihadist figure was said to be close to the group's chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The Amaq news agency had originally denied the Pentagon's claim Shishani had been killed. It has now confirmed his death although its account conflicts with that of the US.

Amaq said he died in combat, fighting against forces trying to take the ISIS-held town of Mosul in Iraq. But the US said he died after an air strike in north-eastern Syria. Their account said Shishani had been sent to the town of Shaddadi to support local ISIS forces and that he died there, not in Iraq.

A statement on the Amaq website read: "Shaykh Umar ash-Shishani martyred in Shirqat as he participated in clashes to repel the campaign against the city of Mosul." 

His death came after the US offered $5m (£3.5m) as a reward for Shishani.

Shishani's real name was Tarkhan Batirashvili and he was also known as Omar the Chechen, according to the BBC.

related articles
It didn\'t stop the war, but I\'d march for Iraq again
It didn't stop the war, but I'd march for Iraq again

It didn't stop the war, but I'd march for Iraq again

Vicar takes in Syrian refugee family after neighbour abused them
Vicar takes in Syrian refugee family after neighbour abused them

Vicar takes in Syrian refugee family after neighbour abused them

Syria\'s forgotten families: One widow\'s daily struggle for survival
Syria's forgotten families: One widow's daily struggle for survival

Syria's forgotten families: One widow's daily struggle for survival

Iraqi Christians \'feel nobody cares for us\', says Baghdad bishop
Iraqi Christians 'feel nobody cares for us', says Baghdad bishop

Iraqi Christians 'feel nobody cares for us', says Baghdad bishop

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.