ISIS has appointed its new leader after the US confirmed the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was named the new leader and “caliph” of the terrorist group via official propaganda channels. It followed days of speculation from followers after al-Baghdadi blew himself up during a US raid on his hideout.
In an audio message, ISIS also confirmed the death of spokesman Abu al-Hasan al-Muhajir – who was killed in a US airstrike.
Abu Hamza al-Qurashi, who delivered the message, was named as the new spokesman.
The message included a threat to the US and called for ISIS terrorists to continue their brutal campaign.
He also called on Muslims to swear allegiance to Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi.
Hashimi’s name is thought to be a noms de guerre by ISIS fighters as they try to hide their true identities.
Donald Trump said al-Baghdadi killed himself and three children by detonating a suicide bomb after being chased into a tunnel by a dog on Saturday.
President Trump announced on Sunday that al-Baghdadi had “died like a dog” and “like a coward” as the former ISIS leader detonated a bomb-vest while US troops closed in.
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The commander of US Central Command said: “This is a video of the assault force actually closing up to the compound.
“Those who came out of the building were checked for weapons and explosives and moved area from the immediate area. US forces detained and later released the nine combatants.
“The group was treated humanely at all times and included 11 children.
“I want to make it clear that despite the violent nature of the raid, in the high-profile nature of this assault, every effort was made to avoid civilian casualties and to protect the children that we suspected would be at the compound.
“Five ISIS members inside the compound presented a threat to the force.”
But, a Washington spokesman has warned that the fight against the extremist jihadist group is far from over despite the US military’s successful raid on Sunday.
French President Emmanuel Macron said al-Baghdadi’s death was a major blow against ISIS, but “the fight continues to finally defeat this terrorist organisation”.
While British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as “an important moment in our fight against terror”.
He added: “We will work with our coalition partners to bring an end to the murderous, barbaric activities of Daesh once and for all.”