Former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld dies at 88

Former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who led his country's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during the presidency of George W. Bush, has died at the age of 88 in New Mexico, his family announced Wednesday.

"History may remember him for his extraordinary accomplishments during his six decades of public service, but to those who knew him best...we will remember his steadfast love for his wife, Joyce, his family and friends, and the integrity of his devoted life," the family said in a statement.

A statement from the family of Donald Rumsfeld: pic.twitter.com/AlKYxVvqgF

— Donald Rumsfeld (@RumsfeldOffice) June 30, 2021

He served under President George W. Bush, and was a leading proponent of the administration's "war on terror."

US forces launched a campaign in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks. In 2003 the United States invaded Iraq.

Rumsfeld resigned in 2006 amid the turmoil in post-war Iraq, but he defended his record.

Before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, Mr. Rumsfeld publicly announced the attack.

He said that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction pose a danger to the world, but no such weapons have ever been found.