13 Jun 2017 | 03:58 PM UTC
United States: Islamic State calls for attacks during Ramadan
An audio message purportedly released by the Islamic State on June 12 calls for members to carry out attacks in the United States; remain vigilant
Event
An audio message purportedly released by the Islamic State (IS) on Monday, June 12, calls on members to carry out attacks on a specific group of countries during the remainder of the holy month of Ramadan, which ends on June 25. In the message - which has yet to be independently authenticated - a man whose voice reportedly matches that of IS spokesman Abi al-Hassan al-Muhajer instructs members to carry out attacks in the United States as well as in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Russia, Australia, the Philippines, and Europe.
As such, heightened security measures are possible, particularly in major cities and transportation hubs.
Context
In recent years, IS, as well as other groups, have called on their fighters to perpetrate attacks during Ramadan, which the group has called a "holy month of jihad." So far during Ramadan in 2017, major attacks have been carried out in London, Baghdad, and Tehran, killing dozens.
Advice
Individuals in the United States are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities (particularly in crowded places).
