Daesh supporters call for more holiday attacks in Europe

A pro-Daesh group on Wednesday urged supporters of the jihadists to carry out attacks on targets such as markets and hospitals in Europe over the Christmas holiday period and urged Muslims to stay away from Christian celebrations.

The threat came as European authorities have stepped up security following an attack claimed by Daesh in which a truck ploughed into crowds in a Berlin Christmas market and killed 12 people this month.

The Nashir Media Foundation, which backs Daesh, posted its message online, accompanied by images of fighters with guns and knives, Santa Claus, reindeer and a Christmas tree, according to the according to the US-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militant groups online.

Pro-IS Group Calls on Lone Wolves in West to Launch Attacks During Holiday Season https://t.co/TEnDiCCpnW

— SITE Intelligence Group (@siteintelgroup) December 28, 2016

“Their celebrations, gatherings, clubs, markets, theatres, cinemas, malls and even their hospitals are all perfect targets for you,” the online message to Islamist “lone wolves” in Europe said.

It said Daesh would “replace their fireworks with explosive belts and devices, and turn their singing and clapping into weeping and wailing”.

The message reminded Daesh supporters of a call earlier this month by the group’s new spokesman, Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajer, who said they should also attack Turkish consulates and embassies.

Turkey may have been chosen as a target because it has backed rebels in Syria against Daesh.