Apr 29, 2019

Islamic State leader appears on video for first time in 5 years

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, when he was last seen on video in 2014. Photo: Al-Furqan Media/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi appeared in a video released by the group's propaganda arm for the first time in 5 years, seemingly confirming that he is still alive, AP reports.

Details: Al-Baghdadi mentions recent events, like the Islamic State's loss of its last physical territory in Baghouz, Syria, last month as well as the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka — for which the Islamic State has claimed responsibility — that killed hundreds.

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