New ISIS video urges jihadists to plot fresh attacks against western countries
A new video released by the Islamic State terror group is calling on jihadists to carry out fresh terror attacks in western countries.
The clip, released by the terror group's official Al-Hayat Media Centre on Jan. 26, featured images of previous attacks claimed by ISIS, including the 2015 San Bernardino attack; the 2015 Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket siege in France; the 2016 Bastille Day attack in Nice, France; the attack at the Westminster Bridge in London in March 2017. It also included a clip of Berlin Christmas market attacker Anis Amri making his pledge to ISIS.
The footage was reportedly distributed widely on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, as well as some file-sharing websites.
An English-language nasheed (hymn) from the video promised paradise to those who follow the example of those who already took part in jihad.
"Go answer the call, don't spare none, kill them all, it is now time to rise, slit their throats, watch them die. The Islamic State stands, and it stands and demands, that you worship the one, whom besides there is none," the nasheed stated, according to PJ Media.
"We're the grandsons of men, who gave all that they can, to rule all of the lands, with the law of Islam. Holding up the flag high, and seeking paradise, o my brothers stay strong, victory won't be long," it continued.
The video also featured a fleeting scene from the Las Vegas mass shooting in October. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack carried out by Stephen Paddock, but investigators have said in a recent report that they could not link the shooter "to any specific ideology" and "nothing was found to indicate motive on the part of Paddock or that he acted with anyone else."
Last week, the ISIS-supporting Wafa' Media Foundation released a propaganda image showing crosshairs and flames positioned over Planet Holywood Resort & Casino, suggesting that the group may carry out another Vegas-style attack.
In December, Al-Hayat released a video featuring a one-legged American jihadist, known by his nom de guerre Abu Salih Al-Amriki, calling on supporters to take advantage of gun availability in the U.S. He reiterated a common threat from the terror group, saying the ISIS flag will be raised above the White House. "Yes, America, you will be overcome from where you least expect it," Abu Salih said.
There has been speculation that ISIS is now looking to establish a new stronghold in Asia where the group has seen a modest growth of support and recruitment.
Earlier this month, the group claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a military academy in Kabul, Afghanistan. However, the militants have been facing difficulties in asserting their identity due to the resurgence of its local rival, the Taliban, which was said to be responsible for the ambulance suicide bombing that killed nearly 150 people on Jan. 27.