The self-proclaimed Muslim Caliph of the 21st Century, leader of Daesh – the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. In a highly-complex military operation in Syria’s Islamist-infested northwestern Idlib region Saturday night, U.S. Army Special Forces stormed a compound where the world’s Number 1 terrorist leader was hiding.
Within minutes after their arrival, the American troops overwhelmed al-Baghdadi’s protectors, and while desperately trying to flee through an underground tunnel, the murderous Islamic leader detonated a suicide vest he had on, while next to three children.
Announcing the momentous achievement, U.S. President Donald Trump provided a descriptive recount of the chain of events that brought about the terrorist’s demise. “Last night the United States brought the world’s Number 1 terrorist leader to justice. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead.” The American leader said that “U.S. Special Operation Forces executed a dangerous and daring nighttime raid in northwestern Syria.” Trump further stated that “The thug who tried so hard to intimidate others spent his last moments in utter fear, in total panic and dread, terrified of the American forces bearing down on him.”
President Trump asserted that the successful operation demonstrates America’s commitment to enduring defeat of all terrorist organizations – and also revealed that in addition to al-Baghdadi’s demise, the U.S. forces managed to secure highly-sensitive material that included extensive information on both the Islamic State’s origins and future plans. The American leader did not shy away from thanking the nations and actors that assisted in guaranteeing the success of the complex operation – including Syria, Russia, Turkey, Iraq, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
Among the many celebratory statements by world leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the United States and President Trump for the “impressive achievement.” Speaking from the Israeli Air Force base of Palmahim, Netanyahu called the successful assassination of the Islamist leader an important “milestone” that “reflects our common determination, that of the US and that of all free nations, to fight the terrorist organizations and the terrorist states.” He nevertheless insisted that the campaign against terror is far from over. When asked by a reporter whether Israel may face a war in the near future, the leader of the Jewish State underscored that preparedness is key in deterring any enemy from testing the country’s capabilities. “If war is forced on us – we will win a very decisive victory,” said the Israeli leader, adding “What I saw here today at this air force base – the best personnel, and the best developments and weaponry – will ensure that this will be the case.”