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
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs

Blackburn Cathedral’s celebration of William Tyndale highlights the Bible’s central place in Anglican worship.

Anglican bishop reminds world that Ebola is still gripping DRC
Anglican bishop reminds world that Ebola is still gripping DRC

Ignorance and poverty have compounded the effects of Ebola.

Rights groups call for review of laws impacting free speech
Rights groups call for review of laws impacting free speech

The government supports your right to agree with it.

Scottish Greens' call for total decriminalisation of abortion denounced
Scottish Greens' call for total decriminalisation of abortion denounced

The Greens have called upon the SNP government to move forward with the recommendations of the Scottish Abortion Law Reform Expert Group.