The US has declassified portions of the video of the raid that led to killing of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
“…at the compound, fighters from two locations in the vicinity of the compound began firing on U.S. aircraft participating in the assault.”
– Gen Frank McKenzie CDR USCENTCOM pic.twitter.com/SkrtHNDs7w— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 30, 2019
In the grainy black-and-white video, fighters can be seen walking toward the compound where al-Baghdadi was hiding from two different directions.
Read: ISIS declares new leader as it confirms death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, vows revenge against the US
“I want to make it clear that despite the high-pressure and high-profile nature of this assault that every effort was made to avoid civilian casualties and to protect children we suspected would be in the compound.”
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 30, 2019
The US Central Command further said how the US security personnel repeatedly asked those in the compound to come out peacefully.
“I want to make it clear that despite the high-pressure and high-profile nature of this assault that every effort was made to avoid civilian casualties and to protect children we suspected would be in the compound.”
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 30, 2019
US Commander Gen. Frank McKenzie Jr further said that the individuals who planned the mission are quiet professionals who focus on the mission above glory or recognition.
“Baghdadi’s remains were buried at sea in accordance with the Law of Armed conflict within 24 hours of his death.”
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 30, 2019
Following his murder-suicide, his remains were collected for DNA identification and rapid analysis showed the samples matched. Baghdadi was buried at sea in accordance with the Law of Armed conflict within 24 hours of his death.
