Baghdadi video highlights jihadist risk for Riyadh and other potential targets

Islamic State (IS or Daesh) leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi appeared for only the second time on video in a segment released by the jihadist group’s Al-Furqan media network on 29 April. Clearly designed as a demonstration of defiance following Daesh’s loss of its last piece of territory in eastern Syria, the video served to assert Baghdadi’s continuing leadership. It also gave clues as to where Daesh intends to strike next, as it switches emphasis from holding territory to mounting insurgent, terrorist attacks.