ISIS still a threat, may seek vengeance post-Baghdadi’s death: US

The Pentagon also released video of airstrikes on a group of unknown fighters on the ground who opened fire on the helicopters that ferried US forces in for the assault on Baghdadi’s compound

A top American General has said the Islamic State is still dangerous and it could attempt a retribution attack after the killing of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a US raid.

The head of US Central Command, General Kenneth McKenzie, speaking to reporters after the Pentagon released video and photos of the US special forces raid that resulted in the death of Baghdadi, acknowledged that the terror group’s leadership may be disjointed and that it could take some time for it to recuperate, but that doesn’t mean it is not a threat. “ISIS is first and last an ideology so, we’re under no illusions that it’s going to go away just because we killed Baghdadi. It will remain, McKenzie said at a Pentagon news conference.

“They will be dangerous. We suspect they will try some form of retribution attack, and we are postured and prepared for that. But we should recognise that, again, since it’s an ideology, you’re never going to be able to completely stamp it out, he said. Among the images released by the Defence Department was a black-and-white footage of US troops approaching on foot the high-walled compound in northwestern Syria where Baghdadi was holed up.

The Pentagon also released video of airstrikes on a group of unknown fighters on the ground who opened fire on the helicopters that ferried US forces in for the assault on Baghdadi’s compound in Syria’s Idlib province. Responding to a question, McKenzie said, It will take them some time to reestablish someone to lead the organisation. And during that period of time, their actions may be a little bit disjointed.”