Islamic State releases video threatening US troops
Updated : 16:11
Islamic State, also known under the acronyms ISIS and ISIL, have released a short video in response to President Obama’s declaration that he would “degrade and ultimately destroy” the militant Islamic group.
The clip indirectly threatens the US government, showing footage of wounded US soldiers and implying that ISIS militants would kill American ground forces should they be deployed.The video was released on Tuesday shortly after the Pentagon announced details of more air strikes to take place south west of Baghdad and north west of Irbil. US defence chiefs also stated that US troops may join Iraqis in their fight against ISIS, despite Obama’s assurance that soldiers would not engage in fighting on the ground.
The video resembles a blockbuster style trailer, showcasing CGI explosions, high-quality images, and with slow motion replay. Entitled Flames of War, the ‘trailer’ is accompanied by a menacing strapline: “The fighting has just begun”.
The US has conducted 167 air strikes in Iraq since the campaign was launched on 8 August. This figure is likely to increase dramatically since a coalition of nations, including the US, pledged earlier this week to destroy ISIS by "whatever means necessary".
The threatening, 52 second clip marks the group’s latest push on social media to promote its activities. In recent weeks, ISIS has released multiple videos showing the beheading of westerners, videos glorifying militants who have died in battle and even videos attempting to recruit westerners to their cause.
Laith Alkhouri, security consulting expert, said that ISIS “appears to be more relentless than ever, not only expanding in territory but also raising the bar in its confrontation with the world’s top superpower." He continued to state that Islamic States actions “demonstrate the true intention of the group, to operate on an international level".