The jihadist militia Islamic State (IS) has threatened retaliation following the death of its former leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Kuraishi († 45).
“Trusting in God, we announce a blessed campaign to take revenge,” the IS militia announced in an audio message on Sunday. The new IS spokesman Abu Omar al-Muhajir also called on IS supporters to carry out attacks in Europe once more.
Blown up himself
The IS supporters should use the “opportunity” when “the crusaders fight each other,” said al-Muhajir, referring to the Russian war once morest Ukraine.
According to the US government, al-Kuraishi blew himself up during a US operation in northwestern Syria in February. In March, IS militia confirmed his death and that of their former spokesman, Abu Hamsa al-Qurayshi. Abu Hassan al-Hashimi al-Kuraishi was appointed the new leader.
In 2014, IS conquered large regions of Iraq and Syria. However, following the military victory of a US-led international coalition over the IS-established caliphate in 2016, the militia remained active in the region. A UN report last year came to the conclusion that there are still around 10,000 active IS fighters in Iraq and Syria. (SDA)
