Donald Trump has released the picture of a dog that helped in the elimination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Bengaluru: President of the United States Donald Trump has released the picture of a dog that played a pivotal role in the elimination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
“We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi!” the president tweeted.
We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi! pic.twitter.com/PDMx9nZWvw
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
It is a Belgian Malinois. Trump was prodded to put up the picture as reporters kept on asking information about the animal.
Though his picture has been released, other details like his name have been kept under wraps.
Trump, during his 48-minute appearance in the White House Diplomatic Room on Sunday (October 28), told reporters that US forces suffered no casualties or injuries in the raid on al-Baghdadi's complex in northwest Syria, but disclosed that the dog was injured.
He added, "Our K-9, as they call - I call it a dog, a beautiful dog, a talented dog - was injured and brought back. But we had no soldier injured."
The U.S. military commonly uses the Belgian Malinois to guide and protect troops, search out enemy forces and look for explosives. The breed is prized for its intelligence and ability to be aggressive on command, said Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association.
“That’s the kind of dog you want to lead a patrol like this,” said Aiello, a former Marine dog handler whose organization helps active duty and retired military dogs. “They are the first line of defense. They go out front.”
Not releasing the name makes sense as a security precaution for the same reason you wouldn’t identify the troops who take part in the raid, he said. “There could be retaliation,” as reported by Associated Press.
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