Today, Explained The death of al-Baghdadi
Oct 28, 2019
Mona Yakubian, a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Institute of Peace, discusses the complex legacy of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She highlights how his death doesn't ensure global safety. The conversation dives into the dramatic fall of al-Baghdadi, the strategic differences in announcing the deaths of terror leaders, and the shifting power dynamics in Syria following the U.S. withdrawal. Yakubian also addresses the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, revealing its impact on displaced populations and the challenges ahead for regional stability.
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The Rise and Fall of al-Baghdadi
- Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the head of ISIS, was killed in a U.S. raid.
- al-Baghdadi, originally from Iraq, rose to power amidst the chaos following the 2003 Iraq War.
From Caliphate to Hiding
- The U.S. fought ISIS due to their attacks and territorial gains in Iraq and Syria.
- al-Baghdadi's capture involved intelligence from a captured wife, courier, and a disaffected ISIS member.
The Raid
- The raid involved Delta Force, helicopters, and even a robot, culminating in al-Baghdadi detonating a suicide vest.
- The U.S. then destroyed the compound with rockets.