Top Islamic State lieutenant 'killed in airstrike'

An airstrike has killed Abu Hajr al-Suri, one of Islamic State commander Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's top lieutenants, according to several foreign news agencies.

Earlier today, Iraqi general Babaker Zebari is reported to have told the media that “Iraqi warplanes carried out a security operation today, resulting in the killing of… Abu Hajr al-Suri,”, however it is unclear whether US air assets were also involved. Zebari told the media that the strikes in Nineveh province were "based on accurate intelligence information."

This is at least the second time he has been reported as killed. It was not possible to independently confirm al-Suri's death.

Al-Suri was an explosives operative and the military leader of nearby city Tal Afar.