Abu Bakr al-Bagdadi, leader of the terrorist organization "Islamic State" has apparently been killed in battle with the US military in Syria. This is reported by the US media Newsweek and CNN. Iraqi security circles confirmed, according to Reuters news agency. that al-Bagdadi had died in the northern Syrian province of Idlib. He is said to have detonated an explosives vest when the US special forces attacked.
"Our sources in Syria have confirmed to the Iraqi intelligence team looking for Baghdadi that he and his bodyguards were killed in Idlib," said one of the senior security forces. Baghdad's hiding-place was discovered when he tried to bring his family out of Idlib to the border with Turkey.
The operation was prepared in secret and arranged by US President Donald Trump. The US Presidential Office announced an important statement by US President Donald Trump for Sunday (2:00 pm CET). On Twitter he wrote: "Something very important has just happened!"
Bounty of $ 25 million
As the television station CNN reported, the US military wants to confirm the death of the IS leader only after all tests are completed. Idlib is the last rebel stronghold in Syria. Most of Idlib is under the control of Syrian al-Qaeda spin-off Hajat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, nine people were shot dead in Idlib early Sunday morning in a helicopter attack. The attack took place on a house and a car on the edge of the village of Barischa. There were fighters in the village who were in contact with the IS.
Al-Bagdadi had been declared dead several times already. With the US bounty of $ 25 million (about 22 million euros) he is one of the most wanted terrorists in the world.
For more information on the nine councils: Move the mouse pointer over the boxes in the graph.
Leadership Council:
The panel makes all important decisions in the "Islamic State". All resolutions of the leadership council must be approved by IS leader Baghdadi. At least in theory, the members of the leadership council can sell the "caliph".
Shura Council:
Consists of nine men who are proficient in Islamic law. They advise the leadership council on all important military and religious issues.
Secret diene Trat:
Collects information about inner and outer opponents of the IS.
Financial Advice:
Is the Ministry of Finance of the IS and has hundreds of millions of dollars. The Council co-ordinates the sale of oil and threads weapons business.
Military:
Is something like the Ministry of Defense of the "Islamic State". The Council coordinates the military advance and the security of the conquered territory.
Auxiliary Council for Fighters:
Organizes the smuggling of foreign fighters into the "Islamic State". The council supports foreign jihadists, helping them to find accommodation, among other things.
legal advice:
Regulates family disputes and violations of Islamic law. The panel also decides on the killing of hostages.
Media Council:
Issues the official communications of the IS. Coordinates the propaganda campaigns in the social networks.
Security:
Coordinates control over the conquered territories, decides on the establishment of checkpoints. Members of the council are also involved in the killing of hostages.
