NOTE: Earlier this week it was reported in the forums that the Emir of the Caucasus Emirate was resigning:
Dokku Abu Uthman Umarov (Hafidhahullah) has formally announced that the mujahid commander Aslanbek Vadalov will be taking over as the new Emir of the Imarat Kavkaz (Islamic Emirate of the Caucasus) due to the health problems that Emir Dokku has apparently been suffering from.
Emir Dokku has asked that the mujahideen in Dagestan, Ingushetia, and Kabardino-Balkaria give bayah to the new Emir.
Emir Dokku has stated that the Jihad must be headed by younger and more energetic emirs, and has emphasized that even after giving up the position of Emir, he will continue on the path of Jihad and will assist the new Emir in whichever ways possible.
May Allah Azza wa Jal protect the new Emir and grant him victory over the kuffar and murtadeen. Ameen!!!!
This seems to have been false as Umarov clarifies this misunderstanding below and unedited.
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In the name of Allah the Merciful, the Compassionate!
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (pbuh), his companions, his family and his followers on the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) until the Day of Judgment.
I am, Emir of the Mujahideen of Caucasus Dokku Abu Usman (Dokka Umarov) making this statement on Aug. 2, 2010.
In connection with the current situation in the Caucasus, I think it is not possible to step down from the Emir of the Caucasus Emirate.
Insha’Allah, the previous statement is canceled by my statement. The previous statement was completely fabricated.
I’m officially declaring that the health of me, Alhamdulillah, by the will of Allah, is good to serve on the way of Allah.
Insha’Allah, I will serve in this way as long as Allah gives me life on this earth, and I will kill enemies of Allah.
May Allah help us all!
Allah Akbar!
Emir of the Caucasus Emirate Dokku Abu Usman,
Province of Nokhchicho (AKA Chechnya / Ichkeria), Caucasus Emirate,
21 Sha’ban, 1431 (2 August, 2010)
Kavkaz Center