Islamic State has released an audiotape it says was recorded by its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, days after reports that he had been killed or injured.
In the recording, released via social media, the speaker says IS fighters will never stop fighting “even if only one soldier remains”.
Correspondents say the recording appears authentic and recent.
BBC analysts say the message is probably also intended to counter the claim that Baghdadi has been killed.
The IS leader was said to have been caught in a US-led air strike near the Iraqi city of Mosul last week.
Thursday’s 17-minute recording makes no direct reference to that air strike, but does mention some developments that have occurred since then, BBC informs.
