U.S. releases Baghdadi raid video, warns of ISIS reprisal attacks

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, holds a press briefing at the Pentagon Wednesday. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The Defense Department released video Wednesday of the U.S.-led raid in northwestern Syria in which Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed last weekend — as officials warned they're expecting ISIS to try to retaliate over his death.

"...at the compound, fighters from two locations in the vicinity of the compound began firing on U.S. aircraft participating in the assault."
- Gen Frank McKenzie CDR USCENTCOM pic.twitter.com/SkrtHNDs7w

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 30, 2019

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We expect they will try some sort of retribution attack. We're postured and prepared for that."

Gen. McKenzie

What they're saying: U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, told reporters during a briefing that five other fighters from the Islamic State, or ISIS, also died during the operation.

• When asked about President Trump's description of Baghdadi going to his death in a tunnel "whimpering and crying and screaming," McKenzie said the ISIS leader "crawled into a hole with two small children and blew himself up while his people stayed on the ground."

"You can deduce what kind of person it is, based on that activity. I'm not able to confirm anything else about his last seconds."

• McKenzie said that after DNA analysis, Baghdadi’s remains were buried at sea to avoid there being a shrine to him.

What's next: McKenzie said the terrorist group's actions "may be a little disjointed" as they regroup and search for a new leader, but he warned, "They will be dangerous."

Go deeper: Baghdadi raid depended on international ties Trump has spurned

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.