ISIS Threatens More Widespread Attacks

On Monday, ISIS released new audio directives on their channel on the encrypted Telegram messaging app. The message is attributed to the terrorist group’s official spokesperson, Abi al-Hassan al Muhajer, calling for ISIS supporters to launch attacks on the United States, Russia, Australia, Iraq, Syria, Iran, the Philippines, and Europe.

The message should raise concerns amongst security and terror researchers, as ISIS followed through with their previous threats, published in their Al-Nabaa journal. These attacks were seen in London and Manchester, as well as resulting in the cancellation of a music festival in Germany.

The audio contained the following message, "O lions of Mosul, Raqqa, and Tal Afar, God bless those pure arms and bright faces, charge against the rejectionists and the apostates and fight them with the strength of one man," said al-Muhajer. (Rejectionists being a demeaning term applied to Shia Muslims). The message also said, "To the brethren of faith and belief in Europe, America, Russia, Australia, and others. Your brothers in your land have done well so take them as role models and do as they have done."

With the end of Ramadan approaching on June 26 and the July 4 Holiday ahead — we are recommending a heightened security position for open air festivals and public gatherings. Coordination with Police and Homeland security liaisons is strongly advised.

This report was also confirmed by Zaman English.

Oz Sultan is a leading Big Data and counterterrorism expert who focuses on anti-recruiting and ISIS counterterror (CT) research within social media. He is an advisor to the Center for the Study of Civil Military Operations at Westpoint and is adjunct faculty at CUNY Baruch. To read more of his reports — Click Here Now.