ISIS urge attacks over Ramadan

ISIS followers have been told to launch attacks on Western targets during the month of Ramadan, which begins in early June.

An audio clip distributed through Twitter accounts that usually distribute ISIS statements purports to be from the group's spokesman, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani. 

"Ramadan, the month of conquest and jihad. Get prepared, be ready ... to make it a month of calamity everywhere for the non-believers ... especially for the fighters and supporters of the caliphate in Europe and America," said the message, suggesting attacks on military and civilian targets.

The authenticity of the audio clip could not be verified.

"The smallest action you do in their heartland is better and more enduring to us than what you would if you were with us. If one of you hoped to reach the Islamic State, we wish we were in your place to punish the Crusaders day and night," said Adnani.

The militant group, which seeks to establish a caliphate across the Middle East and beyond, has claimed deadly attacks over the past year on civilians in France, Belgium and the United States.

But the message made no mention of the EgyptAir flight that crashed into the Mediterranean on Thursday in unexplained circumstances, amid speculation by Egyptian, French and American officials that a jihadist attack was the most likely cause.

A US-led coalition, which also includes European and Arab countries, launched a campaign of air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria in 2014 after the militants seized vast swathes of territory in those countries.

"Their planes do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, man or woman," the message continued, in apparent reference to the strikes.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
Raped, murdered and persecuted by ISIS: The plight of Yazidis in Iraq
Raped, murdered and persecuted by ISIS: The plight of Yazidis in Iraq

Raped, murdered and persecuted by ISIS: The plight of Yazidis in Iraq

Pope Francis: Christianity and Islam must integrate in Europe

Pope Francis: Christianity and Islam must integrate in Europe

Last words of Christian girl, 12, burnt to death by ISIS: 'Forgive them'

Last words of Christian girl, 12, burnt to death by ISIS: 'Forgive them'

Why we have to stop talking ABOUT Muslims and start talking TO Muslims

Why we have to stop talking ABOUT Muslims and start talking TO Muslims

News
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships

Most Madagascans cannot afford surgery, even on the rare occasions its available.

Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis
Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis

An innovative drought insurance scheme has provided emergency support to hundreds of vulnerable farming families in western Nepal

Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown
Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown

Dr Harry Benson, Research Director at the Marriage Foundation, said the latest official data on families and households pointed to a “profound social change” that had received little public attention despite long-term consequences for family stability and child wellbeing.

Church of Scotland issues slavery apology
Church of Scotland issues slavery apology

The Church of Scotland General Assembly said it was “grieved beyond telling” for the suffering inflicted.