Russian air force strike injures Syrian terrorist group leader

A Russian air force strike against the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front terrorist group has resulted in serious injuries to its Syrian leader and the death of its 12 field commanders, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

The target was chosen after Russian military intelligence uncovered on Tuesday the time and place of a meeting of the group's leadership, including its leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

Abu Mohammad al-Julani had multiple heavy shrapnel wounds and lost his hand. He remains in critical condition, said Konashenkov, quoting unnamed independent sources.

The strike also killed around 50 Nusra Front militants including 12 field commanders and wounded more than a dozen terrorists, Konashenkov said.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)