Trump hints that dog injured in al-Baghdadi raid will visit White House

President Trump on Thursday indicated that the dog injured in the raid that led to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will visit the White House next week.

{mosads}Trump quote-tweeted a photoshopped image he’d shared earlier in the day that originated on the conservative Daily Wire website that depicted the dog being given the Medal of Honor.

“Very cute recreation, but the ‘live’ version of Conan will be leaving the Middle East for the White House sometime next week!” Trump tweeted.

Thank you Daily Wire. Very cute recreation, but the “live” version of Conan will be leaving the Middle East for the White House sometime next week! https://t.co/Z1UfhxsSpT

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 30, 2019

The dog’s name had previously been classified, though Trump released a photo of it last week. The animal has become an internet sensation since it was revealed that it was injured in last weekend’s raid.

Trump has a complicated history with dogs, as he’s deployed the term as an insult repeatedly against his critics. In describing al-Baghdadi’s final moments, Trump said he “died like a dog.”

Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the head of U.S. Central Command, gave a briefing on Wednesday in which he shared additional details about Conan.

“This dog is a four-year veteran of [the Special Operations Command] canine program and has been a member of approximately 50 combat missions,” McKenzie said.

The dog was injured by exposed live electrical cables in the tunnel after al-Baghdadi detonated an explosive vest but has since been returned to duty, he said.

McKenzie on Wednesday shared previously unseen footage and photos of the mission that killed al-Baghdadi. In total, six ISIS members died during the raid: al-Baghdadi, one other man and four women. 

Al-Baghdadi was found hiding in a tunnel at the compound, where he detonated a suicide vest as troops closed in, killing himself and two children.