Islamic state declared by Isis rebels in Iraq and Syria

Islamist militant group Isis establish a caliphate on territories it controls in Iraq and Syria. It also proclaimed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as caliph.

11:56 30 June 2014

As Iraq army’s continued to fight militants to regain control of the northern city of Tikrit, Isis rebel have declared Islamic state on territories it controls in Iraq and Syria. It also proclaimed its leader, Abu Bark al-Baghdadi, as caliph or “leader for Muslims everywhere.”  The militants have announced the establishment of the caliphate in an audio recording posted on the internet where the rebels demanded that all Muslims "pledge allegiance" to the new ruler and "reject democracy and other garbage from the West".

 

Isis said that the Islamic State would extend from Aleppo in northern Syria to Diyala province in eastern Iraq. 

 

Meanwhile, Iraqi government continues to fight to regain controls of key cities in the country. Lt-Gen Qassem Atta told journalists: "The security forces are advancing from different areas. There are ongoing clashes."

 

The clashes between Iraqi army and rebels have led to the deaths of several men from both sides as confirmed by eyewitnesses and journalists. There are reports that troops had to pull back to the nearby town of Dilja as they met stiff resistance on Saturday’s initial offensive operation.