Attempt to escape

Two Iraqi security sources and two Iranian officials have told Reuters that they have had confirmation that Baghdadi is dead.

One of the Iraqis, speaking anonymously, said the militant leader was discovered after attempting to leave Syria.

"Our sources from inside Syria have confirmed to the Iraqi intelligence team tasked with pursuing Baghdadi that he has been killed with his personal bodyguard in Idlib after his hiding place was discovered when he tried to get his family out of Idlib towards the Turkish border," the Iraqi said.