March 9 (UPI) -- Officials say they believe Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi fled Mosul as Iraqi security forces advanced on the city and is now hiding out in the desert.
The officials said Baghdadi likely left operational commanders behind in Mosul who will battle for control against Iraqi security forces. Baghdadi, one of the most wanted men in the world, is thought to be in familiar Iraqi desert villages living among sympathetic civilians.