A terrorist who has masterminded ISIS' reign of terror has today been pictured for the first time in almost five years.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdad has been leader of ISIS for almost nine years, a period in which he has led large-scale operations such as high-profile suicide bombings and bloody attacks.
Photos have today emerged capturing the elusive terrorist for the first time since 2014.
In them, Baghdadi sits in a casual setting with other ISIS militants.
The pictures were taken from footage released by ISIS media outlet al-Furqan, which Mirror Online has decided not to publish.
In it, he talks about the war against "Crusaders" and about battles in Syria being over.
Baghdadi's whereabouts have been unknown for some time.
ISIS release picture of Sri Lanka bombings 'mastermind' and seven attackers
It is believed the leader went into hiding in March in the desert regions of Iraq or Syria.
In 2014, footage emerged of Baghdadi announcing the creation of the ISIS caliphate from the al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul.
The video was made during the first Friday prayer service of Ramadan, which starts this year on Sunday.
In an audio message released in August last year, Al-Baghdadi called on his followers to "persevere" despite heavy losses in Iraq and Syria and calls for more attacks around the world.
Many experts believed that it was him as the voice resembled that heard in his other audio messages.
"Those who forget their religion, patience, jihad against their enemies, and their certainty in the creator's promise lose and are disgraced," the leader said.
"But when they hold on to it, they are mighty and victorious, even if after a certain time."
He continued: "For the Mujahideen (holy warriors) 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 declared himself ruler of all Muslims in 2014.
