ISIS has been one of the most known terrorist groups across the nation for over a decade. In early February, during a raid by US Special Operations, the leader of the Islamic State was killed amongst 13 other individuals. 

President Joseph Biden spoke out on the raid claiming the choice to use Special Forces was in an attempt to lower civilian casualties. According to the New York Times, Biden also spoke out on the death of the leader saying, “Thanks to the bravery of our troops, this horrible terrorist leader is no more.”

US officials also spoke on the raid, saying the planning for the event began months ago. An unspecified intelligence tip was given in December, identifying where ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraayshi and his family were located. This tip led to months of planning, specifically where top Pentagon officials even proposed a table-top model of the building in which al-Quraayshi was seen. 

The aftermath of this event is very widespread. US leaders are reflecting on this raid and their task of weighing the risk of civilian death to the benefit of killing a high-value terrorist target. Though they are saying they could not eliminate the harm to civilians entirely, most US officials are saying they took the steps required legally to reduce this harm. 

Overall, the US faced a victory in the early months of the year as ISIS is now drawn back by the death of its leader. According to New York Times, Biden is thankful for the victory and hopeful for a future where they continue to take down dangerous and powerful terrorist leaders.