Iran Press/America: Prior to the press conference Trump tweeted late Saturday night that "Something very big has just happened!"
The US president confirmed the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi this morning during a press conference at the White House.
He stated that "Last night the United States brought the world's number one terrorist leader to justice. The United States has been searching for Baghdadi for many years. Capturing or killing Baghdadi has been the top national security priority of my administration."
The US president called the raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "impeccable" during a press conference at the White House this morning while sharing details of the mission. "US Special operations forces executed a dangerous and daring night-time raid. In northwestern Syria and accomplished their mission in grand style, the US personnel were incredible," and No personnel was lost in the operation.
How Baghdadi Killed according to Trump
Trump added, "Baghdadi died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way. The compound had been cleared by this time with people either surrendering or being shot and killed. Eleven young children were moved out of the house and are uninjured. The only ones remaining were Baghdadi in the tunnel and he had dragged three of his young children with him. They were led to certain death. He reached the end of the tunnel as our dogs chased him down. He ignited his vest, mutilated by the blast. killing himself and the three children.
Trump told reporters that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was under surveillance for a couple of weeks and that 2-3 planned missions were scrapped before the successful one was launched. Trump said the US flew over certain Russian airspace during the mission. The President said he watched the operation from the Situation Room but would not give more details of what type of feed it was.
"He died like a dog," Trump said
The US president said it was a “very dangerous mission,” regarding flying in and flying out. During the mission, he said U.S. service members were met with local gunfire, which was eliminated. "He died like a dog, he died like a coward," Trump said of the ISIS leader.
In his announcement, Trump thanked Russia, Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Syrian Kurds for helping in the mission. He said the Syrian Kurds gave the US helpful information.
Regarding the issue of notifying US Congress, The US president continued, “We notified some, “others are being notified now as I speak. “Washington leaks as I’ve never seen before,” he continued, “There’s no country in the world that leaks like we do. Washington is a leaking machine.” Trump said he didn’t want the forces, “greeted with firepower like you wouldn't believe.”, he added that“The only people that knew were the few people that I dealt with,” Trump said, “A leak could have caused the death of all of them.”
The US president trump said there were more people left dead than alive after the al-Baghdadi operation.
He told reporters this morning three children were killed, and there were two wives who died. Those two women had suicide vests on which were not detonated.
Regarding the confirmation, Trump said al-Baghdadi was one of the last out of the compound. He said 15 minutes after the death there was an on-site test confirming it was al-Baghdadi.205/219
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