Islamic State leader was caught and killed because of his underpants

The Syrian Kurds said they placed a spy within al-Baghdadi’s inner circle, who was able to relay information in regards to the number of guards, details about the floor plan and tunnels, and the shifting locations of the ISIS leader. The source was also present during the raid in which al-Baghdadi died, and left with US forces afterwards.

Prior to the raid, the source was reportedly driven to see al-Baghdadi, lying flat in the vehicle during the journey. However, they were still able to make out landmarks, as well as the general surrounding area, helping to pinpoint the exact location of the hideout.

During their time with al-Baghdadi’s inner circle, the informant was able to steal a pair of underpants, which were then used to prove al-Baghdadi’s identity following DNA testing, ultimately helping to guide US soldiers to his hiding place in northern Syria. The terrorist leader had reportedly been planning to relocate to Jerablus at the time of the military operation.

The source, who reportedly acted as one of al-Baghdadi’s security advisers, was apparently instrumental in locating the ISIS leader. They provided the underpants three months ago, followed by a blood sample one month ago, relaying information to the CIA. As reported by NBC News, General Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces was then able to ascertain a room-by-room layout of al-Baghdadi’s hideout near the Turkish border.

General Abdi went on to describe the mission as a ‘successful and historical operation’, and expressed his optimism for ‘other effective operations’ in the future.

Around 11,000 Kurdish fighters have reportedly died while fighting against ISIS in the last five years.

After the most recent raid, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley said the raid took place at a compound near the Syrian-Turkish border. The raid reportedly led to Baghdadi’s death when he detonated a suicide vest in a tunnel, as The Guardian reports.

According to Milley: ‘Baghdadi’s remains were then transported to a secure facility to confirm his identity with forensic DNA testing, and the disposal of his remains has been done, and is complete, and was handled appropriately.’

Meanwhile, two other men had been captured alive at the compound, and are currently in US custody at an undisclosed location.

Source: Unilad