In a 40-minute audio message published on Thursday, the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) threatened attacks on Jews and Christians all over the world, while once again claiming responsibility for the Moscow massacre that left more than 140 dead and 360 injured.
In the message, IS spokesman Abu Hudhaifah al-Ansari called on the movement’s “lone wolves” to “attack and target crusaders (Christians) and Jews everywhere,” particularly in Europe, the U.S., and Israel during the month of Ramadan (which ends April 10th).
The latest IS threat comes just days after several European nations issued warnings of potential attacks in Europe by the terrorist group.
The message, during which Al-Ansari recalled the proclamation of the (subsequently defeated) IS caliphate ten years ago, was published via the IS media portal al-Furkan. At that time, its militia controlled large areas of civil war-torn Syria and neighboring Iraq. Following the 2019 U.S. killing of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the loss of the territories it held, the group has been reduced to a number of terror cells, still active in both countries.
France raised its terror alert to the highest level this week, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal citing the Moscow attack and other (unidentified) “threats weighing on our country.”
Currently, experts deem Islamic State—Khorasan Province (ISKP), formed in January 2015, to be the most dangerous regional branch of Islamic State. ISKP is known to recruit from the ranks of the Taliban, drawing in new members who deem the Taliban too moderate for their liking.
“Recent assessments of the global jihadist milieu have identified ISKP as the most concerning Islamic State affiliate for engaging in transnational external operations,” a November report from the International Center for Counter Terrorism stated.
While enjoying a widespread presence in Afghanistan (especially following the U.S.’ ignominious exit), ISKP activities have been documented in Pakistan and other areas of Central Asia.
Between Islamist extremists crossing unprotected borders and radicalized Muslims already in Europe, the continent has a sizable problem on its hands when IS is calling on those beyond its formal base to carry out attacks on Jews and Christians.
