The message appeared to be aimed at reinforcing Shekau’s claim that he has created a caliphate within Nigeria. In the 44-minute video, Boko Haram voices support for other so-called caliphates, including the one proclaimed in Iraq and Syria by the Islamic State (IS) group.
The video, which was delivered through the same channels as past messages, shows armed men lined along a well-paved road, with three pick-up trucks bristling with heavy weapons also visible. Black, crested flags associated with the Islamist group are also shown.
Later, an armoured vehicle rolls down the road lined with both fighters and individuals who appear to be residents of the town. No women or girls are seen on the street or anywhere else in the footage.
Most of the message is taken up by a sermon from Shekau, delivered indoors but apparently played on a speaker to locals assembled outside.“We have indeed established an Islamic caliphate,” he said, restating a claim he first made in August.
In the latest video, he seemed to associate territory under his control with a wider, global caliphate, but did not submit to the authority of any other jihadi leader.
“To everyone living in Islamic Caliphate, we convey our greetings,” he said, specifically mentioning “brethren” in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Shishan (an Islamist term for Chechnya), Yemen, Somalia and “the Caliphate in Iraq and Syria.”
A graphic shown later includes a picture the IS group’s leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as well as a portion of the message his group issued on July 1 proclaiming a caliphate in Iraq and Syria.
Source: Vanguard
No comments:
Post a Comment