IS releases video message from 'leader' al-Baghdadi

The leader of the so-called Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who purportedly appeared in a video for the first time in five years, is threatening revenge and a 'long battle' ahead.

IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has not been seen on camera since 2014. Source: AAP

The leader of the self-proclaimed Islamic State group has appeared for the first time in five years in a video released by the extremist group's propaganda arm.

In the clip, he acknowledged defeat in the group's last stronghold in Syria, but vowed a "long battle" ahead.