French jihadis urge Muslim compatriots to join them

Paris, Nov 20 (IANS/EFE) Three Frenchmen suspected of having connections with the Islamic State (IS) Sunni radical group called on compatriots Thursday to join their movement in a new French language video that has gone viral on internet jihadi forums.

In the seven minute video themed with epic propaganda, the three Frenchmen burned their passports as they addressed viewers, surrounded by dozens of masked men.

In their speech, the three threatened to conduct attacks against France and called on Muslims to carry out operations in the European country.

One of the three terrorists, identified by the pseudonym Abu Osama al Faranci, said: "What are you waiting for? Why didn't you perform Hijra? Because a day may come when the borders will be closed and you will be left with only tears and regret".

Another jihadi styling himself as Abu Maryam al Faranci said that "you will even fear going to the market" referring to the banning in France of the naqab, the face covering that strict interpretations of Islam insist that women must wear in public.

The third jihadi, Abu Salman al Faranci, said "terrorise them and do not allow them to sleep due to fear and horror. There are weapons and cars available and targets ready to be hit. Even poison is available, so poison the water and food of at least one of the enemies of Allah."

The recording comes as France remains stunned by the presence of two of its citizens, Michael Dos Santos and Maxime Hauchard in the video footage where IS militants are shown beheading American hostage Peter Kassig and 18 Syrian soldiers.

French authorities are currently investigating a total of 1100 French citizens suspected of involvement with jihadi groups, with 380 of them believed to be currently in Syria and Iraq.

--IANS/EFE

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