In February 2017, BBC News reported that al-Harith had been killed when he carried out a suicide car bombing at an Iraqi army base in Tal Gaysum, southwest of Mosul.[2] Reuters quoted three Western security officials, who wanted to remain anonymous, who claimed to be able to confirm that al-Harith was the suicide bomber.[14] Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, challenged their confirmation, stating there was no actual confirmation that he had been the suicide bomber, other than the claims of militants.[4]