IS calls on supporters to wage ‘all-out war’ on West during Ramadan

IS has called on its followers to wage “all-out war” on the West during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, sparking fears of new attacks, the Independent reports. The terrorist group uses the start of the 30-day period of fasting and prayer to renew calls for atrocities every year, with previous statements linked to attacks in Orlando and France. A statement released on YouTube said supporters who were unable to make the journey to IS territories in Iraq and Syria should attack “infidels…in their homes, their markets, their roads and their forums…double your efforts and intensify your operations”. The message, called “Where are the lions of war?” continued:  “Do not despise the work. Your targeting of the so-called innocents and civilians is beloved by us and the most effective, so go forth and may you get a great reward or martyrdom in Ramadan.” It listed targets including the “scholars of evil and sedition” and politicians, following lengthy articles in propaganda magazines providing instructions on lorry, car and stabbing attacks. The segment was featured in a longer article by spokesman Abul-Hasan al-Mujahir, which was published in a Ramadan issue of IS’ Rumiyah magazine on Friday, telling readers to use the month to “maximise the benefit you receive on the day of judgement”. The magazine made no mention of the Manchester attack, despite containing details of “military operations” in Russia, the Philippines, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Afghanistan. It contained articles targeting Turkey, Russia, Iran and Egypt, as well as “evil scholars” who have denounced IS’ ideology. Ramadan has previously seen a spike in IS terror attacks, with the US State Department warning last year that a “call to martyrdom during the month may hold a special allure to some”. Analysts have warned that as IS continues to suffer heavy losses in its shrinking territories in Syria and Iraq, it will turn its focus elsewhere to retain momentum.