Syria

Islamic State(IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in an audio recorded message on the group's media outlet called on followers to use bombs, knives or cars to carry out attacks.

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Also Read: Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi dead: Syrian Observatory

Baghdadi who has been missing for nearly a year with Russian, US forces and Syrian Army in hot pursuit for IS chief, said: "Those who forget their religion, patience, jihad against their enemies, and their certainty in the creator's promise lose and are disgraced."

"But when they hold on to it, they are mighty and victorious, even if after a certain time."

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"For the Mujahideen the scale of victory or defeat is not dependant on a city or town being stolen or subject to that who has aerial superiority, intercontinental missiles or smart bombs," Baghdadi said in a recording in Arabic posted al-Furqan media group.

Last year Russia had said that it had hit Abu Bakr in an airstrike near Raqa leading to his death, however,  the US intelligence had said he was hiding out in the desert after leaving operational commanders on the field. The conflicting reports have added to the speculation about the exact whereabouts.

Baghdadi has proved an elusive target for Western forces as he uses communication that can barely be monitored and he often moves, often multiple times in one 24-hour cycle. The IS chief made his only known public appearance in Iraq's Mosul city in July 2014.

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Baghdadi has been dubbed the "most wanted man on the planet" with the United States ready to offer $25 million reward for his capture.

In the latest audio recording addressing followers in Middle-East, Asia and Africa, Baghdadi said the "caliphate will remain, God willing", while threatning the  United States and Russia that the jihadists had prepared "horrors" for them.

The criticised rebel fighters for agreeing to surrender deals with the Damascus regime, and called on opposition fighters to join his jihadist group.

In the 55 audo message,  Baghdadi congratulated the "striking lions" behind recent attacks in Canada and Europe and also  offered greetings to Muslims for Eid al-Adha.