Trump approves the raid plan targeting Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Reporting and findings
- documented
CENTCOM commander Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said Donald Trump was extensively briefed on the al-Baghdadi raid plan and its execution risks on October 25, 2019, and approved the operation.
- United States Central Command: Department of Defense Press Briefing on the al-Baghdadi RaidOpening statement and October 25 approval chronology
- The White House: The United States Has Brought the Leader of ISIS to JusticeOpening statement and October 25 approval chronology
Summary and current status
CENTCOM's commander said Trump was briefed on the plan and its risks before approving the northwest Syria raid.
Trump approved the raid plan on October 25, 2019; the operation began the next day
People and organizations
- 2019 al-Baghdadi raid approvalapproved operation
- Abu Bakr al-Baghdadiperson targeted
- Donald J. Trumppresident approving the raid
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. TrumpISIS leader targeted in Trump-approved U.S. military raidAbu Bakr al-Baghdadi
- Donald J. Trumpapproved raid plan2019 al-Baghdadi raid approval