US' special operation to kill ISIS chief Al-Baghdadi: As it happened

In one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations, the special US forces raided a compound in northwestern Syria, on October 27 and killed the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The White House learnt about the possibility of the ISIS leader living in an Idlib province compound on October 24, and a day later, military options were on the desk of US President Donald Trump.

Monitoring from the situation room

After celebrating the 10th wedding anniversary of daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner on October 25, Trump went to Virginia for a round at one of his golf courses. Trump, along with Vice President Mike Pence, Army general Mark Milley, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and few others gathered in the situation room around 5.00 pm on October 26. The operation was named after Kayla Mueller, an American humanitarian worker killed by al-Baghdadi.

Read: Baghdadi's Death Major Victory Over ISIS: US Defense Secretary

Building and connected tunnels

The US President said a large number of fighters were involved in the special operation who flew over the hostile region with eight helicopters. Trump said that many other ships and planes were involved in the mission but did not tell any specific number. He continuously emphasised, during the address, that it was a ‘large group’ and the helicopters also took some shots since they were flying low. Baghdadi was in a compound in northwestern Syria with aides and family members. The forces blew holes in the building knowing that most of the tunnels connected to the building were dead-ends. Baghdadi was holed out in a tunnel where he dragged three children with him and blew himself up.

Read: Pakistan Senator Rehman Malik Questions Veracity Of Baghdadi Killing

Cooperation from Russia

Trump revealed that the US forces had a robot with them just in case they had to go into the tunnel. Trump said that Russia and Iraq cooperated during the mission as the forces had to fly over some areas held by Russia. “Russia treated us great. They opened up. We had to fly over certain Russia areas, Russia-held areas. Russia was great,” he said.

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

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