Islamic State Leader Al-Baghdadi Says 'Caliphate' Well Despite Air-Strikes

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed caliph of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. (File photo: Reuters)

The Telegraph: Islamic State leader Baghdadi goads West in rare audio statement

In what is believed to be his first public message in seven months, Isil chief warns Israel attacks are imminent

The leader of the self-declared Islamic State issued a defiant message to the West last night, saying that “Crusader” did not dare fight on his turf.

In a rare public statement - his first in seven months - Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi said Western countries had "learned from" previous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Crusaders and Jews don't dare to come on the ground because they were defeated in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said in a 23-minute long audio message released through an Isil-run internet account.

The message - dubbed an "alternative Christmas broadcast" on social media - appeared to be an effort to rally Isil followers against the growing number of enemies arrayed against them.

More News On Islamic State Leader Al-Baghdadi's Audio Statement

IS Leader Al-Baghdadi Says 'Caliphate' Well Despite Strikes -- AP
ISIS leader says militant group ‘doing well’ -- Al Arabiya/Reuters
ISIS leader purportedly tells fighters: 'You are on the right path' -- CNN
IS Leader Says 'Caliphate' Well, Mocks Saudi-Led Alliance -- NYT/AP
Islamic State Leader Mocks U.S., Saudis in Online Audio Message -- Bloomberg
Islamic State Group Update: ISIS Leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi Threatens Israel -- IBTimes
Islamic State head: ‘Palestine will be graveyard’ for Jews -- Times of Israel
ISIS leader threatens Jews: 'Palestine will be your grave' -- Arutz Sheva
In new audio statement, IS leader Baghdadi threatens attacks in Israel -- i24 News
ISIS Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Warns Israel: We're Getting Closer Every Day -- Haaretz