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ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivered a public sermon in his proclaimed role as Caliph Ibrahim, the leader of the Islamic State, presenting a major challenge to al-Qaeda senior leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The public appearance of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Mosul and the destruction of shrines and mosques in Mosul and Tal Afar indicate that ISIS control in northern Iraq is uncontested.

ISIS clashed with security forces in Baiji, Tikrit, and Samarra. IA Aviation utilized SU-25 jets to bomb ISIS positions in Hawijah.

Repercussions from the clashes between the ISF and the followers of Mahmoud al-Sarkhi continue to unfold.

ISIS has seized the border town of Abu Kamal, following clashes with JN and other rebel groups. Iraqi Sunni tribes are likely in control of the Waleed border crossing since at least June 25.

ISIS targeted the Samarra Askari Shrine in an effort to divert ISF resources from Tikrit or Baghdad. The mobilization of the Sadrist Brigades to Samarra and the increase in murders in Baghdad are indications of escalated Shi’a militia activity. Tribes in Haditha may be negotiating the peaceful occupation of the city by ISIS and other armed groups. Upon establishing control of Haditha, ISIS will likely attempt to seize control of Ramadi and declare total control over Anbar province.

Yusfiyah in the southern Baghdad belt and Mashahda in the northern Baghdad belt have witnessed clashes in the last two days. They both represent possible ISIS infiltration points into Baghdad.

ISIS has declared a Caliphate, indicating that all Muslims should now submit to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Caliph. Meanwhile, the ISF counter-offensive against ISIS in Tikrit continues, despite conflicting reports that either the ISF or ISIS now control the city.