Iraq analysing jihadist video for authenticity

Iraqi forces are analysing an online video that purports to show a brutal jihadist group’s leader delivering a sermon in the militant-held city of Mosul, a spokesman said on Sunday.

The video, which if authenticated would be the first time the leader of the Islamic State (IS) has appeared on camera since proclaiming himself the leader of the world’s Muslims, was apparently taken during Friday prayers at Al-Nur mosque in the northern Iraqi city.

‘The video is being investigated and analysed and verified by security forces and intelligence officers,’ said Lieutenant General Qassem Atta, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s security spokesman.

‘We have specialised analysts investigating all of this.’ 

The video posted on Saturday showed a portly man clad in a long black robe and turban with a thick greying beard -- purportedly IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi -- addressing worshippers at weekly prayers in central Mosul.