Publication

On 28 September 2017, the so-called Islamic State released an audio recording that purportedly included a new message by the group’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. So, what does this indicate about the reported death of Baghdadi and its potential implications? This publication contends that it obviously means it is still not possible to confirm the death of Baghdadi. However, the text’s author also suggests 1) that the lack of other reports of activities by Baghdadi nevertheless support accounts that Baghdadi was killed earlier in 2017; and 2) that even if Baghdadi is alive, he has become irrelevant to IS’ ongoing campaign.