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Isis video encourages Swiss terror attacks

The Local
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Isis video encourages Swiss terror attacks
Photo: MEMRI-TV (Screenshot)

In the wake of last week’s murderous terror attacks in Paris, the Islamic State group (Isis) has issued a disturbing video encouraging jihadists to launch a fresh round of violent attacks in Europe, including Switzerland.

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The video, which surfaced on the Internet on Wednesday, shows three bearded French-speaking men in Syria praising the French terrorists who killed 17 people — including 10 staff from the Charlie Hebdo humour magazine — and threatening further such actions across Europe.

The clip, apparently shot in Raqqa, a Syrian stronghold for jihadists, is featured on the Middle East Media Research Institute’s (MEMRI) website.

 “I say to all the French people who think that the Islamic State will not reach Europe, Allah willing we are coming to Europe,” the first unidentified man says into the camera.

“There will be more and more operations, like the recent one, in all of Europe, in France, in Belgium, in Germany, in Switzerland, everywhere in Europe and everywhere in America, Allah willing,” the man says.

He urges “brothers” who are unable to join the ranks of Isis to kill the “infidels”.

The man says that a Caliphate (Islamic form of government) will install itself in all of Europe.

“If you are unable to come to the Islamic Caliphate lands (presumably a reference to Syria and Iraq, where Isis is active), I say do your best, do whatever you can, kill them, slit their throats, burn their cars, burn their houses.”

Another man in the video, also speaking fluent but accented French, makes similar comments.

“We have heard the good tidings that our brothers have defended Islam, and sent those who criticized the prophet straight to hell.”

A third man encourages supporters to kill law enforcement officials.

“If you see a police officer, kill him,” he says.

“Kill them all.”

He adds that you should “not let these infidels persecute you . . .live honourably wherever you are.”

He then picks up the automatic weapon strung over his shoulder and waves it, saying “this is the true path of dignity and pride — to wage Jihad”.

The message came a day after British Islamist Anjem Choudary praised the Paris terrorists on Lebanese TV, saying “may Allah accept them in paradise”.

See also: GERMAN POLICE INVESTIGATE JIHADIST GROUP

Swiss media reported that the men speaking in Wednesday’s message spoke French with different accents, respectively from north Africa, west Africa and the Paris suburbs.

With six days to go before the opening of the World Economic Forum in Davos, these developments are disquieting, Le Temps newspaper commented.

The Swiss Army will have a contingent of 3,000 soldiers in place for security at the international summit in the canton of Graubünden.

France and other European governments have announced measures to boost anti-terrorism strategies.

In Germany, for example, Justice Minister Heiko Maas is set to submit plans for tougher security laws.

In Switzerland, Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer said last week that nothing had changed for security risks in the country after the Paris attacks.

Such events were already envisioned some years ago when the government became aware “we must be ready everywhere and at all times to ensure security”, Maurer told broadcaster SRF.

But he added that there was “never absolute security in an open and free society”.

For more on one of the individuals in the Isis video, check this report from AFP.

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