Following his cryptic tweet Saturday evening, President Trump delivered remarks Sunday morning to announce the confirmed death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
UPDATES: According to President Trump, no U.S. troops were killed in the operation, and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi “died in a tunnel, whimpering and crying all the way.”
Trump also announced the retrieval of important intelligence as a result of the raid.
Trump pointed out more than once that al-Baghdadi had been on the run since before he took office, and capturing or killing him was a top priority of his administration.
“He was a sick and depraved man. And now he’s gone.”
Trump thanked other countries for their support with the operation, including the Kurds, Turkey, Iraq, and Russia.
“A brutal killer … has violently been eliminated,” he said. “He died like a dog. He died like a coward.”
According to Trump, the Kurds provided useful information that was helpful in conducting the raid.
"I want to thank the soldiers and sailors, airmen, and Marines involved in last night's operation. You are the very best there is anywhere in the world, no matter where you go, there is nobody even close." – @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/QTLvOn0jxJ
— Trump War Room – Text WOKE to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) October 27, 2019
UPDATE: Some 2020 Democrats have made statements regarding the news:
The death of al-Baghdadi is a major blow to ISIS and a testament to our armed forces. It will make the world safer. Congratulations to the special ops team that executed the mission and everyone in the chain of command. This is a great accomplishment for America and the world.
— Andrew Yang🧢 (@AndrewYang) October 27, 2019
ISIS has caused immeasurable suffering & destruction; the death of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was an important, much needed action to defeat it. Praise and thanks for the military bravery and brilliance that carried out the mission.
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) October 27, 2019
I am grateful for the brave patriots who risked their lives to advance our safety and security. Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was a monster and the world is better without him. Today we should reflect on the work of our amazing armed forces and all those who contributed to this operation.
— John Delaney (@JohnDelaney) October 27, 2019
UPDATE: Photos from the Situation Room have been released:
Posted by The White House on Sunday, October 27, 2019
UPDATE: Here is the full transcript of Trump’s remarks.
UPDATE: Can you believe this Washington Post headline?
The Washington Post is framing the obituary of ISIS terrorist group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the death of an "austere religious scholar" on their homepage.
Give me a break.
Call him a murderous terrorist because that is what he is.
It's not that difficult. pic.twitter.com/IdWqqOq1G9
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) October 27, 2019
UPDATE: Joe Biden has finally released a statement
I congratulate our special forces, our intelligence community, and all our brave military professionals on delivering justice to the terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The world is better and safer without him in it. pic.twitter.com/miLSVWBT9l
— Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) October 27, 2019
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