Conan (military dog)
Conan was a Belgian Malinois military working dog who gained international recognition for his role in the October 2019 raid conducted by United States special operations forces that resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Conan was part of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D), commonly known as Delta Force. During the raid on al-Baghdadi's compound in Syria, Conan pursued al-Baghdadi into a tunnel. Al-Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest, killing himself and two children. Conan was injured in the explosion but survived.
Following the raid, Conan was hailed as a hero. He was given a medal and received public recognition from President Donald Trump at the White House. The dog's name was initially classified for security reasons but was later released.
Belgian Malinois are often used as military working dogs due to their intelligence, agility, and strong work ethic. They are known for their ability to detect explosives, track suspects, and protect handlers.
Conan's service and bravery highlighted the vital role that military working dogs play in special operations and counter-terrorism efforts.