US president Donald Trump bestowed honours on Conan, the dog that played a crucial role in Baghdadi raid, at the White House. Trump said Conan was the most famous dog in the world right now
Washington DC: A US military dog that played a pivotal role in the raid that killed the Islamic State group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, seemed oblivious to the praise heaped on him by President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.
Trump used a slew of adjectives to describe Conan, injured while chasing Baghdadi at the terrorist's compound in northwest Syria in late October.
He called the dog "incredible", "brilliant", "smart", the "ultimate fighter", "very special", and a "tough cookie".
Trump who introduced the canine to media said, "So this is Conan, right now, probably the world's most famous dog.”
Trump said he bestowed a medal on Conan and presented the dog with a plaque.
Trump said, Conan who sustained a few injuries during the raid has completely recovered now.
Conan—America's "hero dog"—made an incredible recovery after the raid that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and is already back to work! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/P8CeNibe0l
— The White House (@WhiteHouse)
Trump also stated that he asked members of the US special forces who met with him on Monday whether an unarmed man would stand a chance against Conan, reported ABC news.
He said the special forces officers, who cannot appear in public, replied, "No."
"Conan is really a hero," Vice President Mike Pence said, patting the dog on the head.
After the October raid, Trump had praised Conan on Twitter, calling him a "wonderful dog".
US Army General Mark Milley told a news briefing after the raid that Conan "performed a tremendous service" in tracking down Baghdadi in a tunnel beneath his compound.
Baghdadi was killed by an explosion he himself set off, killing two children in the process and wounding Conan.