Syria: Islamic State (IS) leader al-Baghdadi dead following a US Special Forces raid in Idlib province on October 26 /update 1

Event

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, October 27, that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, was killed during a US Special Forces raid in Idlib province on Saturday, October 26. Al-Baghdadi killed himself by detonating a suicide vest after being cornered by US Special Forces in a dead-end tunnel. DNA testing in the aftermath of the raid confirmed al-Baghdadi's identity. Several ISIS fighters and others with al-Baghdadi were killed during the raid; no US military personnel were killed or injured in the operation.

Context

To date, the Syrian conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.