Top Islamic State spokesman 'killed in Aleppo'
A leading figure of so-called Islamic State has been killed in Syria, according to the group's media branch.
Abu Muhammad Al-Adnani, cited as IS's official spokesman and one of their most prominent members, was killed in the besieged city of Aleppo, Amaq News Agency reported.
According to a US official, Adnani was targeted and killed by a US air strike while travelling in a vehicle in al-Bab, northeast of Aleppo.
Amaq - which acts as an official part of IS's media apparatus - released a statement via its Twitter page.
It reported that Al-Adnani had been "martyred while surveying the operations to repel the military campaigns against Aleppo".
ITV News Security Editor Rohit Kachroo said the death could be the "biggest hit" against the militant group since its inception.
So-called Islamic State has released several audio files online in which Al-Adnani delivered sermons urging followers to carry out attacks.
Aleppo, currently in the grip of battles between government forces, anti-government rebels and Islamic State, has been subject to intense bombing and a siege in recent weeks.
A US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces - a mix of Kurdish and Arab militias - has also made inroads into IS strongholds the province, cutting them off from the Turkish border and supply lines along it.
Last week, ITV News reported on the growing number of children who have died during the bombing campaign.