Islamic State Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Died in U.S. Raid
The ideological leader of Islamic State died in a U.S.-led raid in northwestern Syria, President Trump said Sunday, fulfilling a long-held American goal and marking the most significant setback for the militant group since losing the last of its territorial caliphate earlier this year.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was 48 years old, killed himself and three children, detonating a suicide vest in a tunnel while being pursued by U.S. troops, Mr. Trump said.
Considered Islamic State’s founder and inspirational leader, Baghdadi was responsible for its reign of terror as it amassed territory across Iraq and Syria over recent years. The group has displaced tens of thousands of people and perpetrated widespread barbarism, including rapes and video-recorded beheadings....
