In perhaps the day's least-surprising headline, ISIS has claimed responsibility for the London terror attack through its Amaq 'news agency'.
1) Breaking: #ISIS' #Amaq claims attacks in #London carried out by #ISIS fighters, according to its sources #LondonAttacks http://pic.twitter.com/iivyCTSbwQ
— Warbahinta Beerdhiga (@Beerdhiga) June 4, 2017
A statement on the group's propaganda outlet said a “detachment” of its fighters had carried out the atrocity, in which seven people were killed and 48 were wounded.
As The Independent reports, Amaq's statement quoted 'sources', a phrase usually used for attacks inspired, rather than directly commissioned, by ISIS.
The group, which also claimed responsibility for the Manchester attack two weeks ago, has called on its followers to carry out increased terror attacks around the world during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Detailed instructions have been issued via propaganda magazines, videos and social media on how to launch mass casualty attacks using vehicles and knives.
The New York Times notes that the length of time it took to make claim, coming a little more than 24 hours after the deadly rampage, was longer than normal for a group that typically takes around 12 to 15 hours, including after the Manchester bombing. Analysts said the Islamic State considers anyone whose actions were inspired by the group to essentially be a member.
“This is how ISIS decentralizes its terrorism,” said Laith Alkhouri, a director at Flashpoint, a business risk intelligence company in New York that tracks militant and cyber threats. “As of now, there’s no indication that ISIS orchestrated or directed these attacks.”
Prior to the group's claim, The Independent’s Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn suggested the London attack was an attempt by ISIS to prove it is still a major force following major losses in Iraq and Syria.
via http://ift.tt/2s7zeM8 Tyler Durden