The chief singer-songwriter for ISIS has been killed in an airstrike in Syria, according to pro-ISIS social media accounts, reported the Daily Mail on Tuesday.

Maher Meshaal, who joined ISIS in 2013, died in the strategic city of Hasakah which has been bombed by U.S. led forces and the Syrian government.

The singer is known for his songs and voice that are featured on many ISIS propaganda and execution videos.

According to the Saudi Gazetter, Meshaal spent five years as an Islamic Chant singer and later became an imam in Riyadh.

It is claimed that one of his well know songs, “Saleel al-Sawarem”, that is used in ISIS videos, celebrates the martyrdom of ISIS militants in their war against the West.

Meshaal reportedly urged Muslims to join ISIS with the songs that he wrote, as well as using his Twitter account to convince young people to join the militant group.

During the week, U.S. led forces intensified bombing in ISIS controlled areas, where 29 strikes were carried out in Iraq and Syria, including near the city of Hasakah where Meshaal was supposedly killed.

Although the recent bombing campaign has injured militants, ISIS “is still in control of southern parts of Hasakah city,” a media activist in Hasakah told ARA News.

ISIS has controlled southern parts of the city for weeks, however the Syrian regime and Kurdish fighters have managed to regain some parts.

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:45 - GMT 06:45