Islamic State threatens Russia with dire reprisals for prisoner abuse
Threats have emerged on channels associated with the Islamic State's Khorasan Province aimed at the "brutal Russians" and Vladimir Putin. "Beware," it was written.
The war in Ukraine. The most important information in our live coverage
On Friday, a terrorist attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk near Moscow. Attackers opened fire on the crowd and then set the place on fire. At least 137 people were killed, and over 180 were injured.
The Islamic State's Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for the attack. Russian forces detained four terrorists - citizens of Tajikistan. Videos began to appear online showing the Russian forces mistreating the detainees, even cutting off a piece of one's ear with a knife.
The Islamic State's Khorasan Province (ISKP), through its media organization Al-Azaim, has issued a statement threatening the "brutal Russians" for mistreating prisoners.
"To all the brutal Russians, including Putin. Stop mistreating and torturing prisoners from the Islamic State," it was written on a poster featuring a masked man with a knife.
"Beware. Do not think that we are incapable of avenging our imprisoned brothers. We proved to you with Friday’s attack that Islamic State fighters can punish you for your atrocities," it was said in the statement.
It was stated that the display of videos with tortured prisoners incited the desire for revenge "among thousands of brothers." "This time we will strike such blows that your future generations will remember," it was written.
"You will be massacred along with your children and women very soon," it was written.
Russia versus Jihadists
The Islamic State's Khorasan Province was established in 2015. Initially, it mainly operated in Afghanistan, but in the following years, it began to expand. Associates of the terrorists have been detained in Europe, among other places.
Russia has been a target of the Islamic State for years. The Jihadists are retaliating in this way, in part, for Moscow's actions in Syria, where Russia supports the regime forces of Bashar al-Assad. Russian mercenaries also participate in fights against Islamic State militants in Africa, including in Mali. Cells of ISIS that carried out attacks, for example, on military bases in Dagestan, have been smashed in Russia for years.
Read more:
USA reacts to tragic events in Russia. New statement
