Trump confirmed on Sunday that al-Baghdadi had been killed in a “daring nighttime raid” in Idlib, northwestern Syria. In a live address from the White House, the US president thanked Russia, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Kurdish forces for aiding the US operation.

He praised the “great cooperation” with Russia, which opened up airspace under its control to allow US warplanes and drones to use the area.

According to Trump, al-Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest after trying to flee through a tunnel with three of his young children. Although badly mutilated, Trump claimed that they were able to use tests to identify his body.

“He died like a dog, like a coward. The world now is a much safer place,” the US president said.

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