President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the person likely to replace Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as leader of the Islamic State group has been killed by U.S. troops.

>> Read more trending news

"Just confirmed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's number one replacement has been terminated by American troops," the president wrote Tuesday morning in a tweet. "Most likely would have taken the top spot - Now he is also Dead!"

Trump did not specify who had been killed, though Reuters reported that the U.S. confirmed on Monday the killing of Islamic State spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

About the Author

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com