The U.S. militaryconducted an operation against elusive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadion Saturday, a U.S. official said, as U.S. President Donald Trump prepared tomake a "major statement" at the White House on Sunday morning.
The official, speakingon condition of anonymity, was unable to say whether the operation againstBaghdadi was successful. Newsweek said the operation took place in Syria'snorthwestern Idlib province and was carried out by special operations forcesafter receiving actionable intelligence.
The official did notdisclose details of the operation and other U.S. officials contacted by Reutersdeclined to comment. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request forcomment.
White House spokesmanHogan Gidley announced late on Saturday that Trump would make a "majorstatement" at 9 a.m. EST (1300 GMT) on Sunday.
Gidley gave no furtherdetails.
