New audio has been released by the Islamic State group that claims to be issued by its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
The 17-minute recording from the terrorist comes just days after he was rumored to have been wounded or possibly killed in U.S. airstrikes.
“O sons of al-Haramayn … the serpent’s head and the stronghold of the disease are [in Saudi Arabia] … draw your swords and divorce life, because there should be no security for the Saloul,” the Islamic State leader said, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Al Baghdadi also urged his followers to take the fight throughout the Middle East and Africa.
“We announce to you the expansion of the Islamic State to new countries, to the countries of the Haramayn, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Algeria. […] Oh soldiers of the Islamic State … erupt volcanoes of jihad everywhere.” he said, Reuters reported.
Authenticity of the audio was not yet confirmed by U.S. officials, although the speaker did reference the U.S. decision to send 1,500 more troops to the region. The Obama administration announced the plan on Nov. 7.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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