JIHADI terror group Isis have released a video showing the first public appearance of their reclusive leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.
Speaking from the balcony of the city's Great Mosque he has urged Muslims all over the worldto join with the Islamic caliphate declared by Isis across large swathes of Syria and Iraq.
"I am the wali (leader) who presides over you, though I am not the best of you, so if you see that I am right, assist me," he said while wearing a black turban and robe.
"If you see that I am wrong, advise me and put me on the right track, and obey me as long as I obey God in you.
Baghdadi had been reported dead or injured but that appears to have been false information [IG]
The Iraqi military and police have been unable to stop Isis controlling large parts of the country [AP]
Iraq is being torn apart by Isis jihadists [AP]"God gave your mujahedeen brothers victory after long years of jihad and patience… so they declared the caliphate and placed the caliph in charge.
"This is a duty on Muslims that has been lost for centuries."
The video appears to quash reports Baghdadi was killed or injured in skirmishes with the Iraqi military.
There are only two verified photographs of Baghdadi – dating from his time in a US detention camp in Iraq between 2005-2009.
Upon his release Baghdadi is rumoured to have told US officials: "I'll see you in New York", before vanishing from sight.
Earlier the UK Treasury confirmed three British citizens believed to be fighting with Isis in Syria have had their assets frozen.
Nasser Muthana and Reyaad Khan, both 20 and from Cardiff, and Abdul Raqib Amin, were seen in a propaganda video released by the al-Qaida-linked group.