Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Profession: Leader of Islamic State

Nationality:

Biography: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was an Iraqi militant who served as the first caliph of the Islamic State. He declared the organization a caliphate in 2014 and served in this role until his death in 2019.

Baghdadi was initially involved with Salafi-jihadi groups in Iraq after the 2003 invasion by the United States, then joined Al Qaeda in Iraq after being detained alongside some of their commanders at an American prison camp.

By 2010, Baghdadi had risen to the highest rank within the organizational structure of Al Qaeda in Iraq. He then set the group on the course that would end with their rebranding as the Islamic State of Iraq.

During Baghdadi's time as caliph, he oversaw the horrific crimes and terrorist activities for which the Islamic State would come to be known. These crimes, as well as his status as caliph and the notion of an 'Islamic State,' were roundly rejected and declared reprehensible and un-Islamic by the global Muslim community.

Born: July 28, 1971
Birthplace: Samarra, Iraq

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Leo

Died: October 26, 2019 (aged 48)
Cause of Death: Detonated a suicide vest after he was cornered by US special forces