Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi 'photographed in second public appearance' at Fallujah mosque
The 'caliph' of the so-called Islamic State is one of the most wanted men in the world, and public appearances are incredibly rare
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
The Isis jihadist group appears to have released a new set of images showing a rare public appearance by its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
The self-proclaimed "caliph" was last captured on camera in July 2014, when he gave a speech to followers at a mosque in Mosul.
It is impossible to verify the new images, but Isis supporters on social media claim they show Al-Baghdadi speaking to children at a mosque in Fallujah, Iraq.
The risk to the Isis leader's life is such that he no longer addresses large gatherings. The US has placed a $10 million bounty on his head, making him one of the most wanted terrorists in the world.
If they do show Al-Baghdadi, the new images do not teach us much we didn't already know about the reclusive militant chief.
Some Isis followers have suggested that a man shown in the far-right on one of the images is the leader's "double" - a logical safety measure given the number of Isis convoys that have been targeted by international air strikes.
The lack of public appearances by Al-Baghdadi tends to fuel speculation that he has been injured or killed, with rare audio statements often the closest thing we have to proof he is still alive.
Isis last issued an audio statement purporting to be from its leader in December last year. In a 24-minute message, he claimed his organisation was "thriving" despite the international forces lined up against it, and acccused the US of being too afraid to fight with troops on the ground.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments