Syrian state-run TV reported Friday the leader of a powerful al-Qaida-linked rebel group has been killed. It's a claim that if confirmed would be a huge blow to fighters trying to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
But soon after, conflicting reports began to emerge. Syrian state television did not give any details, except to say the head of Jabhat al-Nusra, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, had been killed in the coastal province of Latakia.
Later Friday, it removed the report from its website without explanation.
Other reports also emerged denying that al-Golani was dead.
The extremist group, also known as Nusra Front, is on a U.S. State Department list of terrorist organizations. The group has emerged as one of the most effective among rebel groups fighting Assad.
Al-Golani's death would be a huge blow to rebels who have been fragmented and outgunned by Assad's forces.
But soon after, conflicting reports began to emerge. Syrian state television did not give any details, except to say the head of Jabhat al-Nusra, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, had been killed in the coastal province of Latakia.
Later Friday, it removed the report from its website without explanation.
Other reports also emerged denying that al-Golani was dead.
The extremist group, also known as Nusra Front, is on a U.S. State Department list of terrorist organizations. The group has emerged as one of the most effective among rebel groups fighting Assad.
Al-Golani's death would be a huge blow to rebels who have been fragmented and outgunned by Assad's forces.
