Washington threatened as next target in video purportedly released by Islamic State
Reporting from Cairo — Washington was among the potential targets of future attacks cited in a video released Monday purportedly by Islamic State that warned of more strikes to follow last week’s violence in Paris.
Among the images were those of numerous fighters said to be from Islamic State, vowing to strike again. The group has claimed responsibility for the Paris attack.
“So we say to countries that are participating in the crusader campaign [against Islamic State], by God, you will have a day like that of France,” a fighter identified as Al-Karar al-Iraqi says on the video. “We swear by God’s command we will attack America in its heartland in Washington, God permitting, and God permitting, we will invade Rome.”
FULL COVERAGE: Attacks in Paris
Italy and France, along with Canada, Australia, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands are among the countries that have participated in the U.S.-led coalition fighting the militants of Islamic State.
The video included reports from Arabic media on the Paris attacks and footage of French President Francois Hollande speaking about his nation’s role in attacking Islamic State targets in Iraq.
The Paris attacks on Friday, which left at least 129 people dead, did not deter the French government from stepping up its fight against Islamic State. On Sunday, French warplanes struck the headquarters of the militant group in Raqqa, Syria.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that France had a right to take action against Islamic State, especially following Friday’s assault on the French capital.
The video, which was posted on social media and a number of portals that typically carry statements from Islamic State and other militant groups, included praise for those who carried out the Paris attacks.
“I congratulate the Islamic nation for this unique operation, whose reasons were facilitated by God,” says a fighter on the video identified as Al-Gharib al-Jazaaeri. “I ask God to accept our brothers among the martyrs … and I say to France, France that killed and destroyed millions of Muslims for decades, I say to them: The Muslims have awoken, and the mujahedin have stepped into your land.”
Unlike previous videos posted by Islamic State following some of their assaults, the images released Monday did not include details of the Paris attack. Instead, the content focused on threatening Western countries fighting the organization, ending with the assertion that Islamic State fighters “will not hesitate to cut off your heads.”
“You will not feel safe so long as you keep bombing,” the message said. “You will be killed as long as you keep killing.”
Hassan is a special correspondent.
MORE ON PARIS ATTACKS:
Obama fights back against critics of his Islamic State strategy
Police launch raids in France and Belgium amid talk of a mastermind
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