The Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS) has confirmed the death of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, an IS statement has reportedly stated.

Al Sumaria News broadcaster stated that Al-Baghdadi is dead and his successor will be named soon.

Russian Defence Ministry had said he was likely killed in a Russian Aerospace Forces strike on a militant command post in the southern suburb of the city of Raqqa.

The ministry noted that it was in the process of confirming the information through various channels.

Al-Baghdadi appeared in the media for the first time in 2014 when he declared the creation of a caliphate in the Middle East.

Experts had said if Al-Baghdadi is confirmed dead, he is likely to be succeeded by one of his top two lieutenants.

Iyad Al-Obaidi and Ayad Al-Jumaili, both were army officers under late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Azeez