ISIS leader thought dead reportedly resurfaces in new recording

ISIS leader thought dead reportedly resurfaces in new recording
(Image credit: AP Photo/Militant video)

Rumors have been circulating about whether a U.S. air strike last week killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State.

But a new recording, released on Thursday by jihadi site al-Furqan media, allegedly includes a speech by Baghdadi, leading many to wonder if he is still alive. The 17-minute recording includes a voice, believed to be Baghdadi's, calling for "volcanoes of jihad" and ISIS attacks in Saudi Arabia — and the speech also mentions recent events that took place after his alleged death (the timing of the recording is still unclear, however).

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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.