The leader of Islamic State has been killed in a United States special forces raid in north-western Syria.

Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi led the terrorist group for just over two years.

The 45-year-old detonated a bomb which killed himself, along with members of his family, during a US raid on a house overnight.

US President Joe Biden says al-Qurayshi played a key role in the 2014 Yazidi genocide in Northern Iraq.

He says the death of the leader of Islamic State sends a strong message to terrorists around the world.

“We remain vigilant, we remain prepared. Last night’s operation took a major terrorist leader off the battlefield and has sent a strong message to terrorists around the world — we will come after you and we will find you,” he said.

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Image: U.S. Department of Defense via Getty Images