The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated via its social media channels that it has confirmed the death of the ISIS terrorist group’s leader. If true, this would corroborate earlier reports out of Russia that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in airstrikes in Raqqa during a meeting of ISIS leaders in May.
The London-based organization told CBS that a “1st tier and two 2nd tier ISIS commanders” confirmed the news.
Neither the Pentagon, nor prominent Iraqi and Kurdish officials, have yet been able to confirm his death. Even if al-Baghdadi was dead, it’s unclear how much of an impact this would have on the fight against ISIS.
Al-Baghdadi became the leader of ISIS after splitting with al-Qaeda. Al-qaeda has slandered ISIS for their brutality, despite their similar track record and goals. Al-Baghdadi’s status has been an unknown since his last audio message released on Nov. 3, 2016, in which he encouraged followers to continue to fight for the ISIS occupation of Mosul.
Confirmed information for the #SOHR about the death Abu Bakr #Baghdadi, the “Amir of the #IslamicState organization” pic.twitter.com/JivM08RJWI
— #المرصدالسوري #SOHR (@syriahr) July 11, 2017
The Iraqi prime minister is currently celebrating victory over ISIS in Iraq’s city of Mosul, which was at one time a main stronghold of ISIS. Other ISIS occupied territories in Iraq and Syria are continuing to shrink.
Big wins against ISIS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2017
