Baghdadi's death major victory over ISIS: US Defense Secretary

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on October 27 said that the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is a major victory in the enduring mission to defeat the terror group ISIS. 

“This is a great day for America and a great day for the world. Last night, US joint special operations forces and interagency partners flawlessly executed a Commander-in-Chief directed operation to capture or kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi,” said Mark Esper in a statement.  

“As a result, al-Baghdadi, who led the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorist movement and inspired one of the most brutal and misguided terror campaigns in modern history, is dead at the hands of the United States military,” he added.

Read: Pakistan Senator Rehman Malik Questions Veracity Of Baghdadi Killing

Present in the situation room

The US Defense Secretary commended all those who participated in and supported the operation. Esper was present in the situation room along with US President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Army general Mark Milley, and few others to watch the raid live. “With our partners we defeated the physical caliphate of ISIS earlier this year and now its founder and leader is dead. This is a major victory in the enduring defeat ISIS mission,” said Esper.

Read: Al-Baghdadi Killed, Trump Claims Credit For 'obliterating ISIS Losers'

'Whimpering and crying and screaming' Baghdadi

Earlier, the US President, in a statement, said that a large number of Baghdadi’s fighters and companions were killed with Baghdadi while no U.S. personnel were lost in the operation.

“He died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming,” said Trump.

Elaborating on the operation, Trump said that eleven young children were moved out of the house un-injured but Baghdadi dragged three children with him into the tunnel.

“He reached the end of the tunnel, as our dogs chased him down. He ignited his vest, killing himself and the three children,” said Trump.

He said a large number of fighters were involved in the special operation who flew over the hostile region with eight helicopters.

Read: Islamic State Chief's Baghdadi's Top Aide Was Key To His Elimination

Read: "It Was Like Watching A Movie": Trump On US Op That Killed Baghdadi