IS leader appears in video for first time in five years

GettyImages

IS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has appeared in a video for the first time in five years.

Posted on the militant group's al-Furqan media network on Monday, Baghdadi announced that the Sri Lanka attacks were carried out as revenge for the fall of the Iraqi town of Baghuz.

He's sporting a bushy grey and red beard, wearing a black robe with a beige vest and seated on the floor with what appears to be a machine gun propped up next to him.

Baghdadi also referred to the political crisis in Algeria and Sudan.

The tapes are set to be inspected by analysts to ascertain its authenticity.

More from International News

News

  • Iranian nationals in UAE exempted from overstay fines

    Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Iranian nationals currently in the UAE will be exempt from overstay fines caused by delays in leaving the country.

  • UAE ensures smooth airport operations amid airspace closures

    The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has confirmed that all necessary measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted airport operations in response to recent regional developments and airspace closures in neighbouring countries.

  • UAE, Turkish Presidents discuss regional developments

    The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have held a phone call to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and ways to promote regional stability.