• Wion
  • /World
  • /Death of IS chief 'important milestone': Netanyahu

Death of IS chief 'important milestone': Netanyahu

Death of IS chief 'important milestone': Netanyahu

Bid to quell rage

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said US President Donald Trump's announcement of the death of Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in neighbouring Syria was "an important milestone".

"I want to congratulate President Trump on the impressive achievement of bringing about the elimination of al-Baghdadi," Netanyahu said on a visit to an Israeli air force base in remarks broadcast by army radio.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"This reflects the united resolve of the free countries led by the United States to fight the forces of terror, the terror organisations and the terrorist states," a later statement from the premier's office quoted him as saying.

"This is an important milestone, but it's part of a longer battle which me must win."

Trump said earlier that Baghdadi died "like a dog," in a daring, nighttime raid by US special forces deep in northwest Syria.

In a televised address from the White House Trump said that US forces killed a "large number" of Islamic State group militants during the raid which culminated in cornering Baghdadi in a tunnel, where he set off a suicide vest.

He said that the raid -- which required flying more than an hour by helicopter in both directions from an undisclosed base -- had been accomplished by help from Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iraq.

About the Author