Islamic State airs video purporting to be leader Al-Baghdadi
(VOVWORLD) - The Islamic State’s media network on Monday published on Telegram a threatening video message purporting to come from its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in what would be his first appearance in five years.
 ISIS uploads a video on Telegram on April 29, 2019, purporting to show leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for the first time in five years. (Photo: AFP) |
The authenticity and date of the recording has not been independently verified.
In the 18-minute video, a bearded man with Baghdadi’s appearance talks about the month-long fight in ISIS’s last territorial stronghold of Baghouz in eastern Syria which ended last month. He says the group will seek revenge for jailed and killed members.
The US has announced a reward of 25 million USD for information leading to Baghdadi’s death or arrest.
Iraqi security forces believe Baghdadi is still in Syria following several failed attempts to enter Iraq.