Islamic State’s Baghdadi likely to be in Africa, experts say
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Sameh Eid, an expert in Jihadist groups affairs in Egypt, said Baghdadi is likely to be in Africa, after the group members fled Iraq and Syria.
Africa, according to Eid, is the biggest battlefield that the group seeks entering in order to have access to Egypt. Regarding the access to Africa, he said that it just needs the help of intelligence to guarantee transferring him from one place to another in Africa, which is possible, especially in light of accusations among intelligence services over transferring the militants from Syria and Iraq.
Baghdad could make an audio or video recording, if alive, to show that the group still exists, Eid said.
Meanwhile, Najeh Ibrahim, former leader with Jamaa al-Islamiyah, said Baghdadi is likely to me in other places like the Sahara desert, northern Chad or the borders between Algeria and Niger.
Speaking to Sputnik, Ibrahim said those place are considered as safe shelters due to suffering security failure in addition to being mountainous areas, where he can hide for long time. Members from these countries, which suffer poverty and conflicts, can be recruited.
Moreover, Nasser al-Hawari, Libyan expert, said the group seeks including the biggest number of terrorist cells in Libya, Chad, Niger and Sudan.
He added that tension at some African countries will help the group recruit more members, especially at countries that witness conflicts.