The Islamic State group has announced the death of its leader Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi in clashes in northwestern Syria. The leader was killed after direct clashes with jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib province, according to an IS spokesman. The group's new leader, its fifth, has been appointed as Abi Hafsan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi.

The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, rose to prominence in Iraq and Syria in 2014, conquering vast territories. However, its self-proclaimed caliphate eventually collapsed under a wave of offensives. The group's rule was characterized by beheadings and mass shootings.

Although ISIS was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, sleeper cells still carry out attacks in both countries. In November last year, the group announced the death of its previous leader, and his predecessor was killed in a US raid in Idlib province in February the same year.

The death of Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi is another blow to the Islamic State group, which has been significantly weakened in recent years. However, it remains a threat, with sleeper cells continuing to carry out attacks.

The appointment of a new leader signals the group's resilience and determination to regroup. Efforts to combat the Islamic State group must continue, as its extremist ideology poses a danger to stability in the region and beyond. It is crucial for countries to work together to dismantle the group's networks and prevent its resurgence.