The leader of the Islamic State group has made his first public appearance since proclaiming a caliphate, justifying the Sunni-led rebellion against the Iraqi government.
In a video posted on social media, the newly elected 'caliph', Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, delivers a Friday sermon and leads prayers in the grand mosque of Mosul.
Baghdadi, who delivers a 15-minute-long sermon wearing a black turban and robe, spoke on the blessings of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and the legitimacy of fighting in the path of God against oppression.
Quoting verses from the Quran, Baghdadi spoke on the need of establishing Islamic law and how God had helped "jihadists" establish a so-called caliphate.
"The establishment of a caliphate is an obligation," he said. "The religion cannot be in place unless the sharia is established."
The Islamic State, which has swept across much of northern and western Iraq, has tapped into the grievances of the country's Sunni community with Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's prime minister, and his Shia-led government.
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