Syrian Democratic Forces said ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi was identified before U.S. special operations troops killed him by using DNA obtained from underwear through a clandestine-source.
“Our own source, who had been able to reach al Baghdadi, brought al Baghdadi’s underwear to conduct a DNA test and make sure (100%) that the person in question was al-Baghdadi himself,” Polat Can, an adviser for the SDF, said Sunday
Can said the Kurdish-led SDF were critical in the successful U.S. Delta Force mission that killed Baghdadi.
“All intelligence and access to al Baghdadi as well as the identification of his place, were the result of our own work,” he said. “Our intelligence source was involved in sending coordinates, directing the airdrop, participating in and making the operation a success until the last minute.”
President Trump announced Sunday morning that the ISIS leader had been killed Saturday evening and died “whimpering, crying, and screaming.” U.S. forces conducted an “on-site test” to determine they had killed Baghdadi. The president acknowledged the Kurds were “helpful” in the successful operation.
