IS vows to 'avenge' Sunni Lebanese figures

IS vows to 'avenge' Sunni Lebanese figures
The Islamic State group has vowed in a new video to 'avenge' Lebanese security forces and politicians, warning them of an approaching confrontation with its fighters.
2 min read
12 March, 2016
IS accused Hizballah of following Iran's orders in Lebanon [AFP]

The Islamic State group (IS) has released a new video warning Lebanese security forces and politicians of a confrontation with its fighters "sooner or later", Lebanese website The Daily Star reported on Saturday.

Over footage from Lebanon, a voice is heard saying that Lebanese Sunnis had long been suffering from oppression, accusing Hizballah of following Iran's orders in the country.

"It's a message to the tyrants in Lebanon," a man said in the video, over images of Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk, Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri.

"No matter how many Muslims you arrest, no matter how many you kill, no matter how mean, despicable and wicked you are, you will not be able to prevent IS from reaching you.

"Maybe we will be able to reach Jerusalem over your dead bodies and by using your weaponry," the militant recording continued.

According to The Daily Star, the authenticity of the 12-minute video has not been immediately verified.

The Lebanese cabinet, former President Michel Suleiman and Hariri were referred to as "followers of US and Russia" in the video.

"The Constitution is blasphemy drafted by humans," the militant continued.

"Those who pretend to represent you today are a bunch of criminals who oppressed you... stealing your money to spend them in a war against your religion and using you as slaves. Revolt and dust the humiliation off you."

The video also included images of Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah with senior Iranian officials, as well as images of Future Movement leader Saad al-Hariri with US officials.

No matter how many Muslims you arrest, no matter how many you kill, no matter how mean, despicable and wicked you are, you will not be able to prevent IS from reaching you.
- IS militant in video

Two purportedly Lebanese IS fighters appeared in the video threatening Lebanese politicians and security agencies.

Showing images of the Roumieh prison and its officers, the two fighters urged Sunnis in Lebanon to join IS ranks and revolt against "oppressive" security forces.

The militants also called on Christians in Lebanon to convert to Islam in order to protect themselves or "pay the price".

The video ended with another message to security forces, calling them to "open their eyes", as they were "only targeting one faction of the Lebanese community".

On Thursday, army chief General Jean Kahwaji vowed to hunt down extremists, saying the military was determined to defeat Syria-based militants and prevent them from setting up an Islamic emirate on Lebanese territory.

 
The website encountered an unexpected error. Please try again later.