ISIS second in command and spokesman Adnani wounded in Iraq coalition airstrike

Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, chief spokesperson for the Islamic State, seen in photo featured in ISIS propaganda and used by U.S. State Department in January 2012. (Wikipedia)

The chief spokesman of the Islamic State (ISIS) was seriously injured in a recent airstrike in Iraq's Anbar province, reports said.

A statement from Iraq's Joint Operations Command said Thursday that Syrian-born Abu Mohammed al-Adnani was wounded after coalition airstrikes hit the Iraqi town of Barwanah, CNN reported.

"Adnani was first moved to the city of Hit for treatment after 'losing a large amount of blood.' He was then transferred to Mosul under tight security," according to the spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command.

"He was given two bags of blood to help stabilise his medical condition."

The spokesman also told CNN that authorities had been chasing Adnani for more than a month prior to the airstrike.

Al-Adnani, who was born as Taha Sobhi Falaha, is believed to be second in line to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He is considered as "ISIS most public figure'' because of the many audio recordings he had produced to promote the caliphate.

He was officially labeled a terrorist by the U.S. State Department in August 2014, describing him as "the official spokesman for and a senior leader" of ISIS. He reportedly obtained his post after becoming "one of the first foreign fighters to oppose coalition forces in Iraq.''

In June 2014, the terrorist leader became the first to declare a "caliphate" for parts of Syria and Iraq, indicating ISIS' aim of not just being a terrorist group but a governing entity as well. He was also vocal in calling for attacks outside the region, including his assertion that ISIS supporters in the West have a religious duty to launch lone-wolf attacks, CNN said.

Earlier between 2005 and 2010 during the Iraq conflict, Adnani was captured and spent time in custody at the U.S. detention facility in Camp Bucca

In May last year, a reward of up to $5 million was raised for any information leading to his arrest. That statement noted his "repeated calls for attacks against Westerns and (his having) vowed 'defeat' for the United States,'' the report said.

related articles
Muslim netizens respond to ISIS chief\'s call to arms: \'Sorry, we\'re too busy watching TV shows, movies to join you\'
Muslim netizens respond to ISIS chief's call to arms: 'Sorry, we're too busy watching TV shows, movies to join you'

Muslim netizens respond to ISIS chief's call to arms: 'Sorry, we're too busy watching TV shows, movies to join you'

Jerry Lewis says Syrian \'refugees need to stay where the hell they are,\' slams Obama and praises \'showman\' Trump
Jerry Lewis says Syrian 'refugees need to stay where the hell they are,' slams Obama and praises 'showman' Trump

Jerry Lewis says Syrian 'refugees need to stay where the hell they are,' slams Obama and praises 'showman' Trump

Leaked UN draft document asks the question - who is a terrorist in Syria?

Leaked UN draft document asks the question - who is a terrorist in Syria?

Iran, ISIS both believe in imminent coming of Muslim messiah Mahdi at world\'s end, fuelling their actions — experts
Iran, ISIS both believe in imminent coming of Muslim messiah Mahdi at world's end, fuelling their actions — experts

Iran, ISIS both believe in imminent coming of Muslim messiah Mahdi at world's end, fuelling their actions — experts

News
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods

A day of prayer was observed across Texas on Sunday as the state continues to respond to devastating flash floods that have killed dozens, including a number of children who were attending a Christian summer camp. 

Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat
Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat

The challenge before the Christian Church is both stark and clear: to understand and engage a new generation if it is to have a future. 

What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?
What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?

The Welsh Revival of 1904 was anything but quiet, leading to the worldwide Pentecostal and charismatic movements. This is the story …

Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'
Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'

A deadly suicide bombing at a Damascus church on Sunday June 22 has reignited urgent calls for global recognition of the ongoing persecution of Syria’s religious minorities.