The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) armed group has announced Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi as its new chief and has confirmed the death of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Abu Hamza al-Qurayshi, ISIS's new spokesman, made this announcement on Thursday in an audio clip distributed by the group's media arm, days after a weekend raid by US forces that resulted in al-Baghdadi's death.
"We mourn you ... commander of the faithful," he disclosed, stating that ISIS's legislative and consultative body convened after the 48-year-old Iraqi-born chief's death.
"The Islamic State shura council convened immediately after confirming the martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the elders of the holy warriors agreed" on a replacement.
Though the statement has not provided any other details about the new leader.
The audio also further addressed that the United States of America should not rejoice
The new chosen one will make you forget the horror you have beholden ... and make the achievements of the Baghdadi days taste sweet."
“Beware vengeance (against) their nation and their brethren of infidels and apostates, and carrying out the will of the commander of the faithful in his last audio message, and getting closer to God with the blood of polytheists,” he said.
But from analysis Baghdadi’s death is likely to cause Islamic State to splinter, leaving whoever emerges as its new leader with the task of bringing the group back together as a fighting force, according to analysts.
