Pentagon on Alert as ISIS Threatens Revenge Attacks Over Baghdadi Death

The successful US operation that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is finally being commented upon by ISIS itself. The group confirmed the deaths of both Baghdadi and his aide, Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir.

ISIS further added that they are naming Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi as their new leader. This is not believed to be his real name, though officials are unsure who he actually is or what his background is.

Either way, ISIS is warning the US against “rejoicing” over Baghdadi’s death, vowing to carry out revenge over it. This is something analysts, and former ISIS members, generally expected to be a priority for ISIS, and big attacks are also a priority for new leaders trying to establish themselves in such groups.

Pentagon officials appear to have expected this as well, saying that they were already on alert for possible retaliation by ISIS, adding that while it will take time for ISIS to reorganize under a new leader, the group remains dangerous.