WASHINGTON — A senior U.S. official says American airstrikes overnight in Syria targeted a cell of al-Qaida militants, hitting and possibly killing a top bomb-maker in the group.
It wasn’t certain whether the bomb-maker, French militant David Drugeon, was killed or injured, but the official says the strikes hit their intended targets. The official was not authorized to discuss the issue publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity.
At the Pentagon, Army Col. Steve Warren said the strikes hit five targets at two locations. He noted that reports suggest members of other militant groups were hit. He said the Khorasan Group was targeted but its members may also be affiliated with al-Qaida or other militant organizations.
U.S. officials say the Khorasan Group has been actively planning attacks against the West.
LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press
