Speculation Continues To Grow That Islamic State Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Is Dead

A man purported to be the reclusive leader of the militant Islamic State Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi making what would have been his first public appearance, at a mosque in the centre of Iraq's second city, Mosul, according to a video recording posted on the Internet on... REUTERS/Social Media Website via Reuters TV/File Photo

Reuters: If Baghdadi is dead, next IS leader likely to be Saddam-era officer

If Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is confirmed dead, he is likely to be succeeded by one of his top two lieutenants, both of whom were Iraqi army officers under late dictator Saddam Hussein.

Experts on Islamist groups see no clear successor but regard Iyad al-Obaidi and Ayad al-Jumaili as the leading contenders, though neither would be likely to assume Baghdadi's title of "caliph", or overall commander of Muslims.

Russia's defense ministry said last week Baghdadi may have been killed in an air strike in Syria and Interfax news agency quoted a senior Russian parliamentarian on Friday as saying the likelihood that he had been killed was close to 100 percent.

But armed groups fighting in the region and many regional officials are skeptical about the reports.

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WNU Editor: This is ominous (mind you it is an Iranian source) .... ISIS to Issue ‘Important’ Statement on Al-Baghdadi (Iran Front Page)

More News On Reports That Islamic State Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Is Dead

Who could be Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's successor if he is confirmed dead? -- IBTimes
Saddam’s former army officer may become new IS leader -- Kurdistan 24
If Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead, this is who the next ISIS leader is likely to be -- Mirror.
Russian diplomat: There is a 'high probability' that al-Baghdadi was killed in May -- Military/AP
Russia: "High" probability ISIS leader "liquidated" in strike -- CBS/AP
Russia "almost" confirms ISIS head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death -- International Business Times