The Syrian Arab Air Force conducted a number of air raids in the Idlib Governorate on Thursday, killing 18 senior members of the Syrian Al-Qaeda branch “Jabhat Al-Nusra” (Victory Front).

Among the identified militants that were confirmed dead, the senior Jabhat Al-Nusra Front leader, “Abu Hamaam Al-‘Askari”, was reportedly killed during the persistent bombing campaign by the SAAF in the Idlib Governorate.

According to a military source, three other Jabhat Al-Nusra members were among the dead identified; this includes “Abu Musa’ab Al-Falasteeni” (Palestinian), “Abu ‘Umar Al-Kurdi”, and “Abu Al-Bara’a Al-Ansari” (Saudi).

The loss of Abu Hamaam Al-‘Askari is reportedly a major blow to the Jabhat Al-Nusra Central Command, as he was considered one of the lead strategists for the latter’s counter-offensive in northern Syria – he was also well-known for his close ties to the leader of Jabhat Al-Nusra “Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani.”