This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/6319
February 24, 2014
The Middle East's most wanted: Hunt for the terrorist nicknamed 'The Ghost' who is too radical even for Al Qaeda
New image released by Iraqi government of leader of hard line rebel group the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
ISIS attacks and brutal rule deemed so harsh Al Qaeda has formally distanced itself from the group
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is known as 'The Ghost' to enemies in the pro-Assad Lebanese Shi-ite militia Hizballah
A new photo of the shadowy leader of a violent rebel group deemed too radical by Al Qaeda has been released by the Iraqi interior ministry.
The release of the image of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is part of a renewed push by Iraq to catch the man whose militant group, called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), has carried out attacks responsible for killing a large number of Iraqis.
ISIS is also known for the brutal rule it enforces in the Syrian towns it takes over. Al Qaeda recently released a formal statement distancing itself from the group and its actions.
The Iraqi Government obtained the photograph of Baghdadi along with three handwritten letters, AFP reported.
'The security forces call on the people to provide any information that helps lead to the arrest of this criminal,' said the statement that was posted with the photograph.
ISIS is the most extreme group carrying out attacks against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and has fought against other moderate rebel groups in Syria.
Baghdadi is suspected to be living in Syria, where ISIS holds its headquarters in the city of Raqqa.
This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/6319