ISIS releases message purportedly from reclusive leader

The Islamic State released a 24-minute audio message Saturday purporting to be from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the terrorist group's reclusive leader, The Associated Press reports.

"Be confident that God will grant victory to those who worship him, and hear the good news that our state is doing well," al-Baghdadi purportedly said. "The more intense the war against it, the purer it becomes and the tougher it gets."

In the message, apparently the leader's first since May, he also threatened Israel. Media outlets including AP and Reuters were not able to confirm the recording's authenticity, but noted that it was published on ISIS-affiliated websites and social media accounts.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up