In July 2012, al-Baghdadi released an audio statement online announcing that the group was returning to former strongholds from which US troops and the Sons of Iraq had driven them in 2007 and 2008.
Pada Juli 2012, al-Baghdadi merilis pernyataan audio daring bahwa kelompoknya sudah kembali ke daerah yang dulu mereka kuasai sebelum diusir pasukan Amerika Serikat dan Para Putra Irak tahun 2007 dan 2008.