However in a 24-minute audio posted Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi claimed that air strikes by the worldwide coalition only increases his group’s determination and resolve. “The more intense the war against it, the purer it becomes and the tougher it gets”, said the message.
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In the message, he called for Muslims around the world to join the IS’ fight, saying it was their Islamic duty to rise up.
In May, ISIS issued an audio recording that it said was by Baghdadi, calling on supporters around the world to join the fight in Syria and Iraq or to take up arms wherever they live.
Iraqi government troops are also making advances in the ISIS-held city of Ramadi.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia this month announced a coalition of 34 nations against terrorism, which Baghdadi devotes some time to ridiculing in his speech.
Baghdadi also pledged to attack Israel, saying IS has “not forgotten Palestine for a single moment”. “Soon, with God’s permission, you’ll hear about shaking footsteps of the mujahideen [holy warriors]”, al-Baghdadi said in a rare threat against Israel.
The Jerusalem Post said neither recording has been verified independently.
After the hype died down, El-Baghdadi tweeted a picture showcasing the difference between him and the real terrorist leader – he shaves and does not wear a Rolex watch stolen from one of his victims. The pioneers of the jihadist fighters will surround you on a day that you think is distant and we know is close.
He is thought to constantly move between Islamic State strongholds in Raqqa, Syria, and Mosul, Iraq, to avoid airstrikes. The message was al-Baghdadi’s first since May, and comes amid battlefield setbacks that ISIS has recently faced. The seized Tishrin Dam provides electricity to much of northern Syria.
Meanwhile, the US-backed coalition of rebels group, known as Syria Democratic Forces, have regained control of a major dam on the Euphrates River from the Islamic State in northern Syria.
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“We promise you that anyone who participates in the war on the Islamic State will pay a high price and will regret it, so, plot O America, plot O Europe, plot O Russian Federation”, he says.
