On Tuesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of a new Islamic State propaganda poster in circulation on social media and jihadi discussion forums, calling on followers in Europe and the US to carry out continuous attacks on Christians to avenge spilled Muslim blood.
With a background composed of a world map silhouette over an Islamic State flag and fronted by one large hand grenade, the poster reads as follows:
"To the Mujahidin in the Heart of Europe and America!
This is a call and incitement to all the supposed mujahidin in the heart of Europe and America and behind their lines: Do not consult anyone regarding your transcontinental jihad. Monitor the most substantial targets and strike relentlessly, for the blood of all Christians, from pole to pole, does not avenge a single drop of Muslims' blood spilled every day. These attacks are part of the revenge, but not all of it, so make them continuous, not limited by time or date."
The poster is published by the Al-Azaem Media Foundation, which is associated with ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province).
Readers are reminded that both the Islamic State and Al Qaeda have previously issued numerous threats and calls for attacks on Christians and Jews in response to events in Gaza (i.e., Israel crushing Hamas and turning the strip to rubble), as well as various other reasons for which they claim offense and indignation.
Specific reasoning aside, recent attacks in New Orleans and Magdeburg, Germany, the wave of lone-wolf attacks across Israel, as well as regular news of thwarted plots and arrests involving individuals pledging allegiance to one group or another, again demonstrates that jihadist propaganda (see this and this) is a powerful tool in manipulating grievance-based beliefs and attitudes to the point of self-radicalization and individual action.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the national and international threat environment and will immediately notify service subscribers of any new alerts, warnings, or advisories impacting the overall threat picture for American citizens, as events warrant. |
