Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. (Photo: VNA)

Clapper, who served under President Obama, said the death of al-Baghdadi has “a huge symbolic meaning”, but cautioned that the IS ideology extends beyond Baghdadi and said his death will not end the terrorist group. 

Clapper agreed that US troops should remain in the area to ensure IS is not galvanized by Baghdadi’s death.

President Trump  confirmed al-Baghdadi’s death Sunday morning at a press conference, saying, “the United States brought the world’s number one terrorist leader to justice.” Al-Baghdadi’s death came after Trump announced the removal of US troops from Syria, sparking fears of a resurgence of IS in the region.