WASHINGTON — A US airstrike in northwest Syria on Friday killed senior Al-Qaeda leader Abdul Hamid Al Matar, the US Central Command announced.

The US military confirmed that a drone strike in Syria killed a senior Al Qaeda leader.

US Central Command Spokesperson John Rigsbee said in a statement the removal of this Al-Qaeda senior leader will disrupt the terrorist organization's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening US citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians."

Rigsbee added, "We have no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike, which was conducted using an MQ-9 aircraft."

He affirmed that the US "will continue to target members of Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations who intend to harm the US homeland."

According to a New York Post report, Friday's attack came two days after a US outpost in southern Syria was struck by drones and rockets. No troops were harmed, officials said. — Agencies