The Islamic State militant group, also known as ISIS, released a new propaganda video featuring its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi outlining the structure of the group’s self-proclaimed caliphate.
[revad1]
The video was released by the Al-Furqan media wing, the same branch that released the execution videos of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff. In the video, Baghdadi says that “the Islamic State will remain,” despite a series of losses in both Iraq and Syria to enemy forces in recent months.
A U.S.-coalition, involving several countries, have been carrying out air and ground strikes to fight against ISIS. The Islamic history and the reason behind the existence of ISIS is also discussed in the video, which is seen as a way to attract further fighters to the ranks of the “caravan of jihad.”
The video also mentions detail about Baghdadi’s role in the group, stating that he is responsible for preparing ISIS’s armies, protecting the various fronts the group fights on, defending the homeland and spreading the group’s ultra-conservative brand of Islam. He also makes sure that the Sharia law is followed by those living under its rule.
It is unclear when and where the video was taken and that is highlighted by ISIS’ claims that it has 35 provinces across the world in total under its control, with 19 in Iraq and Syria and 16 outside, such as in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Yemen. The video also shows clips of ISIS fighters and several children dressed in military outfits holding the group’s black and white flag. The video’s release date coincides with Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, several attacks have been carried out in Iraq, Bangladesh,Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, all claimed by ISIS.
If al-Baghdadi ever shows his face in public, coalition forces have been given the green light to kill him. As of mid June, reports have surfaced that al-Baghdadi was killed in a coalition air strike but these reports cannot be confirmed by U.S. sources.
What is the significance now of this propaganda video by al-Baghdadi and what kind of effect will it have, if any? Sound off in the comments below.
[revad2]
