Sometimes–maybe even often times–the CIA is only as good as its allies.
This detailed report from Reuters suggests that an ISIS leader turned by Iraqi intelligence was key to the U.S. raid that ended with Baghdadi’s death.
The source was Ismael a-Ethawi, a PHD in Islamic Sciences, who
was considered by Iraqi intelligence officials to be one of the leader’s top five aides. He joined al Qaeda in 2006 and was arrested by U.S. forces in 2008 and jailed for four years, according to the Iraqi security officials. Baghdadi later tasked Ethawi with key roles such as delivering religious instructions and the selection of Islamic State commanders. After the group largely collapsed in 2017, Ethawi fled to Syria with his Syrian wife. Another turning poin
Source: Exclusive: Baghdadi’s aide was key to his capture – Iraqi intelligence sources – Reuters
