BY Michael Corcoran
Staff Reporter
On the night of Oct. 27, President Donald Trump addressed the United States of America, stating that US Special Forces killed the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
According to the Associated Press, the nighttime raid occurred in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, where U.S. troops breached the compound and began the 45-minute operation. The operation consisted of Delta Force troops chasing al-Baghdadi down to a “dead-end,” where he detonated a suicide vest, killing himself and his three children, as described by President Trump.
“He died like a dog, he died like a coward,” said Trump.
Junior Heriberto Rodriguez believes that this marks a major victory for America since the operation has been a long-sought goal.
“The targeted killing of Abu Bakr Baghdadi is another testament to the capabilities of the United States government to bring terrorist to justice, or in this case bring justice to the terrorist, said Rodriguez. “Although an important death in the fight against terror, ISIS will reorganize and attempt to avenge the death of their leader. We should remain vigilant and continue with our ironclad commitment to erasing this terror organization from the face of this Earth.”
Professor Isil Akbulut also believes the fight is far from over.
“The decapitation of its leader could make the group more lethal,” said Akbulut. “Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s killing energized the members and supporters of the group and ISIS has already pledged to carry out attacks to avenge Baghdadi’s killing.”
There has already been a new leader announced for the Islamic State Group.
According to the Associated Press, on Oct 31, the Islamic State group declared a new leader only four days after the death of al-Baghdadi. Al-Furqan Foundation, the ISIS central media channel, announced its successor as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. However, the name is not confirmed as of right now since the group identifies its leaders using noms de guerre, which refer to their tribal affiliation.
Trump tweeted a picture of “Conan,” the military working dog that was a part of the Special Forces unit during raid. The dog suffered minor injuries after being exposed to electric wires as she chased al-Baghdadi in his compound. However, she is recovering and is still deployed and working in the Middle East.
“We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (Conan) that did such a great job in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi,” said Trump on Twitter.
According to the Associated Press, Trump wants to honor the military working dog with a visit to the White House sometime in the coming weeks.
There have been veterans that are willing to give up their Purple Hearts (a medal awarded to troops who have suffered injuries while serving) and give them to Conan since she was injured.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Gade held up and offered his Purple Heart during an interview on Fox.
“Mr. President, if you are watching this morning,” Gade said, “I brought one of my own purple hearts to present to the dog if you would like me to do so or if you would like me to give this to you, I can; these dogs are heroic.”
In a veteran’s eyes, giving a medal to a military dog could be monumental.
“So, absolutely, if they are wounded in action, I think it’s totally fine to present a Purple Heart and you know the handler will have that as something that he can have forever,” said Gade.
The Associated Press contrbuted to this article.
