ISIS Releases New Recording of Leader

Al-Baghdadi slams US, refers to current events
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 23, 2018 2:48 AM CDT
New Recording Could Be Proof ISIS Leader Is Alive
This image made from video posted on a militant website July 5, 2014, purports to show ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon at a mosque in Iraq during his first public appearance.   (Militant video via AP, File)

ISIS has released a new audio recording, purportedly of its shadowy leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, his first in almost a year. In the audio, al-Baghdadi—whose whereabouts and fate remain unknown—urges followers to "persevere" and continue fighting the group's enemies everywhere. The 54-minute audio entitled "Give Glad Tidings to the Patient" was released by the extremist group's central media arm, al-Furqan Foundation, on Wednesday evening, the AP reports. The audio's authenticity could not be independently verified and there were no clues as to where it was recorded. The question of whether al-Baghdadi is dead or alive has been a continuing source of mystery and confusion.

His last audio message was on Sept. 28, 2017, in which he called on his followers to burn their enemies everywhere and target "media centers of the infidels." In Wednesday's recording, al-Baghdadi makes references to current events, including Turkey's row with the United States over its detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson. If the voice on the audio is confirmed to be that of al-Baghdadi, this would date the message to this month and disprove reports of his death. "America is going through the worst time in its entire existence," al-Baghdadi says, adding that Russia is competing with the US over regional influence and clout.

(More Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X