Trump says ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi 'died like a dog'
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the militant group ISIS, was killed in a US military operation in northwest Syria. President Trump made the announcement during a press statement early Sunday, saying that the US brought the "world's greatest terrorist leader to justice". Earlier, he had tweeted, "Something very big has just happened!" Here's more.
Details
Baghdadi died 'whimpering and crying and screaming'
"Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead," Trump revealed. He said that Baghdadi died "whimpering and crying and screaming" as he tried to escape through a tunnel and exploded a suicide vest upon reaching a dead end. He said the ISIS chief had taken three of his young children with him, who also died in the explosion. Test results confirmed it was Baghdadi, he added.
Quote
Trump says US obliterated Baghdadi's caliphate under his administration
Describing Baghdadi as a "sick and depraved man," Trump said that he was "vicious and violent and he died in a vicious and violent way." He also claimed that under his administration, the United States has "obliterated his caliphate" 100%.
Quote
'He died like a dog. He died like a coward'
Trump went on to say, "He died like a dog. He died like a coward. The world is now a much safer place. God bless America." Referring to Baghdadi and his supporters as "losers," he said, "They had no idea what they were getting into- in some cases they were very frightened puppies and in other cases, they were hardcore killers."
Operation
Operation started two weeks ago, says Trump
Trump said that US troops had been on Baghdadi's tail for some weeks. The operation started two weeks ago, he said. The exact number of people killed on Baghdadi's team will be confirmed over the next few days, he said. He added that no US personnel died in the operation despite facing "firepower like you wouldn't believe," however, a US dog was injured.
Support
Trump thanks Russia, Turkey, Syria and Iraq for support
Trump said it's dangerous for the US to fly over other people's territory, however, they had support. He said, "Russia treated us great... Iraq was excellent. We really had great cooperation." Turkey also knew they were "going in." Trump then thanked intelligence professionals, the armed forces, Russia, Turkey, Syria and Iraq, and the Syrian Kurds for "certain support they were able to give us."