ICC Note: As Iraqi security forces push further into key parts of Mosul city, top IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is reportedly becoming more paranoid. An informant has said that he has been executing anyone of whom he is suspicious and sleeps in a suicide vest for fear of being captured alive. At least 2,800 Islamic state fighters have been killed in the operation to liberate Mosul.

11/21/2016 Iraq (Christian Post): As Iraqi assault troops begin to enter key parts of Mosul city for the first time in two years, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi reportedly keeps his suicide vest on even while sleeping lest he be caught alive.

After capturing neighboring Zahraa and Tahrir districts, troops have entered the Muharibeen neighborhood in the northeastern part of Mosul with the help of airstrikes by the U.S.-led international coalition, Al Masdar News reported Saturday.

At least 2,800 fighters of Islamic State, also known as IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh, have been killed or captured since the campaign to liberate Mosul, dubbed as “We Are Coming, Nineveh,” began on Oct. 17, the news report added.

ISIS leader al-Baghdadi “has become intemperate,” according to Reuters, which read text messages written by an informant inside the city.

“He has cut down on his movements and neglects his appearance,” a message reads. “He lives underground and has tunnels that stretch to different areas. He doesn’t sleep without his suicide bomber vest so he can set it off if he’s captured.”

Baghdadi, who declared himself the caliph of portions of territories of Iraq and Syria about two years ago, has also become suspicious of people close to him, as defectors or informants are being regularly executed. “Sometimes he used to joke around,” says another text message. “But now he no longer does.”

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