ISIS has named its new leader, five days after the death of former head Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi in a US raid.
The group's new spokesman, Abu Hamza Al Qurayshi, on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Abu Ibrahim Al Hashimi Al Qurayshi.
What will happen to ISIS without Al Baghdadi? | @Itwitius pic.twitter.com/l4dMdvCVHs
— The National (@TheNationalNews) October 31, 2019
The announcement was made in an audio message posted to ISIS channels on the encrypted messaging app, Telegram.
"The Shura Council of ISIS, after consultation, agreed to act on Baghdadi's will and pledge allegiance to Abu Ibrahim Al Hashimi Al Qurayshi," said Rita Katz, director of the Site Intelligence Group.
Abu Hamza replaces Abu Hassan Al Muhajir, who was killed by Kurdish fighters in a raid with US special forces, as the group's spokesman.
Al Baghdadi killed himself using an explosive vest during a US operation in Barisha, Syria.
The audio message warned the US not to rejoice in the killing of its leadership, and claimed that the group would continue to operate outside the Middle East.
The ISIS spokesman called American President Donald Trump "a crazy old man" and warned the US that its supporters would avenge Al Baghdadi's death.
"Do not rejoice America," the spokesman warned. "The new chosen one will make you forget the horror you have beholden and make the achievements of the Baghdadi days taste sweet."
