Baghdadi Survives Assassination Attempt

ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is believed to be alive after surviving a coup attempt in January, reports the Guardian (U.K.). 

On Jan. 10, foreign fighters attacked the terror leader in a village near Hajin, resulting in a firefight with Baghdadi's bodyguards, according to intelligence officials. At least two people were killed in the exchange. 

The bodyguards transported the ISIS leader into a nearby desert, where he may remain. His current whereabouts are unknown, but he is believed to have recently spent time in the group's last territorial holdings near Abu Kamal. 

It is unclear who carried out the attack. ISIS has placed a bounty on the head of Abu Muath al-Jazairi, who is thought to be a senior foreign fighter with the terrorist group.

The group has an estimated 500 fighters remaining plus their family members. Their strength could be further weakened by growing splits resulting from the assassination attempt.