Mosul was liberated from ISIL extremist in July after a months-long operation by Iraqi forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition. The recording by al-Baghdadi was released by the ISIL-run al-Furqan outlet. The voice in the over 46-minute-long audio sounded much like previous recordings of the reclusive ISIL leader, who has only appeared in public once. The last previous purported message from al-Baghdadi was released in November, also an audio recording. In Thursday’s recording, al-Baghdadi sought to console his followers over their recent defeats, saying the top priority for Muslims is to “satisfy” God.

Source: National Post September 28, 2017 16:27 UTC