The Islamic State terror group confirms the death of its leader Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi in a statement, and names Abu Hasan al-Hashemi al-Qurashi as his replacement.

The group's spokesperson said in an audio recording that confirms the death of the former IS chief along with the group's ex-spokesman.

The former leader blew himself up in early February during a U.S. raid in northwest Syria, an area controlled by rival jihadists.

(With input from agencies)