

Islamic State supreme leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been seen near Nineveh’s borders with Syria, apparently in a poor health condition
A local source in Nineveh told the network Saturday that Baghdadi, who the source said appeared near the borders with Syria’s Boukamal, looked skinny and unable to speak clearly due to past traumas. He was moving unguarded so as not to draw suspicions.
Baghdadi rallied a number of his tribal supporters and voiced criticism of Iraqi members of his group for failing to exhibit enough backing for Arab and foreign members who, he said, were leading the battle against security forces.
Since Islamic State took over several areas of Iraq to proclaim an “Islamic Caliphate”, Baghdadi’s exact whereabouts have remained a mystery and subject to clashing speculations. The ambiguity increased as the Iraqi government launched an offensive in October 2016 to retake Mosul, Islamic State’s previously-proclaimed capital.
A U.S. official was recently quoted saying Baghdadi had fled Mosul before Iraqi forces surrounded the city. Other reports claimed he had admitted defeat and urged his fighters to withdraw. Some security observers said he remained in the group’s Syrian stronghold city of Raqqa.
Iraqi government forces took over eastern Mosul in January and are currently struggling to clear the western region from IS militants. They have become closer to the central Mosul Nuri Mosque where Baghdadi first appeared in a sermon that saw the declaration of the Islamic State’s rule.
more recommended stories
Culture of violence; can Cyril Ramaphosa cure South Africa?
Seeking to suppress the use of.
Laptop stolen from Nancy Pelosi’s office during Capitol riots
A laptop was stolen from House.
Ballot Betting: Everything You Need to Know About Gambling on Elections
In a world where the art.
Donald Trump and Boris Johnson working on ‘very substantial’ post-Brexit trade deal
Donald Trump has said he and.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock withdraws from Tory leadership race
Health Secretary Matt Hancock withdraws from.
South Africans anger over US President Trump’s land reform tweet
South Africa’s presidency will seek clarification.
Zimbabwe enters another politically crucial week
Zimbabwe has entered another nail-biting week.
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) to broadcast live Concourt proceedings
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has.