Abu Huthaifa al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Islamic State (ISIS), issued a disturbing call to action in a 30-minute recording.
According to JNS, the message, disseminated by ISIS's media arm Al-Furqan, targets Jews globally, urging ISIS supporters to launch attacks in the United States and Europe. Al-Ansari explicitly identifies synagogues, Jewish gatherings, and Israeli diplomatic missions as potential targets.
'No distinction between civilians and soldiers'
In his speech, Al-Ansari declares the conflict with Jews a religious war, transcending social or national boundaries. He aggressively advocates for the use of varied methods of attack, including firearms, explosives, and knives, emphasizing no distinction between civilians and soldiers in these attacks.
Furthermore, Al-Ansari’s message encompasses a broader geopolitical critique. He accuses several Arab nations, specifically Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and some Gulf states, of complicity in what he describes as the "Jewish war against Muslims." This accusation signals a deepening rift within the region, as these nations are traditionally seen as moderate Arab states with varying degrees of engagement with Israel.
Additionally, the ISIS spokesman criticizes Hamas’s connections with Tehran. He warns the Palestinian terror group against further cooperation with the Iranian regime, suggesting Iran's intention to extend its influence through regional proxies. This critique illustrates the complex web of alliances and enmities that characterize Middle Eastern politics.
In a separate but related development, ISIS claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Iran, the most severe since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The attack, involving two suicide bombers, targeted a commemoration ceremony for Qassem Soleimani, a major general in the Quds Force. The incident underscores ISIS's ongoing capacity for significant terrorist operations and its willingness to target Shiites, whom they refer to as "polytheist Shiites."
