Biden says ISIS leader blows himself up during U.S. raid in Syria [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The White House announced that the leader of the terrorist group ISIS died during a U.S. raid in Syria.
• President Biden said the ISIS leader blew himself up, killing others.
• At least 13 civilians, including six children and four women, died in the US mission.

President Joe Biden announced Thursday that Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS), died during a U.S. mission in Syria. Biden blamed the ISIS leader for blowing himself up, killing members of his family.

“We do know that as our troops approached to capture the terrorist, in a final act of desperate cowardness, with no regard to the lives of his own families or others in the building, he chose to blow himself up,” Biden said, blaming the ISIS leader for the casualties.

“Not just at the vest but to blow up that third floor, rather than face justice for the crimes he has committed, taking several members of his family with him just as his predecessor did,” he added.

A full report about the mission that occurred on Wednesday is still being compiled by the team. Biden thanked the team of troops for carrying out a “successful” mission.

“Thanks to the bravery of our troops, this horrible terrorist leader is no more. Our forces carried out the operation with their signature preparation and precision,” he said.

Biden said the U.S. military chose a raid over an airstrike to minimize civilian casualties, considering al-Qurayshi was with families.

Officials said an ISIS lieutenant, who barricaded himself on the second floor of the building, was also killed after engaging in a firefight with U.S. forces.

The Pentagon announced that there were no American casualties.

Thirteen civilians, including four women and six children, were reportedly killed.

The president said that U.S. forces “skillfully executed this incredibly challenging mission” and called the members of the military “the backbone of this nation.”

Biden ended his speech with a warning against terrorists around the world.

“We remain vigilant, we remain prepared,” he said. “Last night’s operation took a major terrorist leader off the battlefield and it sent a strong message to terrorists around the world — we will come after you and find you.”

Source: The Hill