The number two Joint Task Force commander in the U.S.-led coalition's fight against ISIS bluntly stated on Tuesday that Allied forces will deal with ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on the battlefield.
British Army Maj. Gen. Felix Gedney gave a remote press conference with reporters at the Pentagon where NBC reporter Hans Nichols asked what the general knew about al-Baghdadi's whereabouts.
"Well, I don't know where al-Baghdadi is, but like all of the ISIS leadership, we continue to hunt for them and try to take them off the battlefield," Gedney said. "You'll know when we find al-Baghdadi because we'll deal with him on the battlefield."
Gedney serves as deputy commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, a position that assures the United States and its allies that ISIS combatants can expect a freedom-loving whooping.
He serves directly under the coalition's commander, U.S. Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk. The British general's biography notes he enjoys partaking in not-so-standard challenges, including "swimming the channel, motorcycling across the Hindu Cush, and elephant polo," while acknowledging he is "keen on, but equally bad at, a large number of other sports."
ISIS has lost significant ground in the Middle East but remains active in parts of Syria while it works to spread its influence globally. Al-Baghdadi has remained elusive for several years and continues to be a top target for military officials. He has delivered many speeches to ISIS fighters and has been credited as the strategic leader behind the terrorist group.