London Bridge attack came as ISIS called for ‘all-out-war’ to mark the start of Ramadan by attacking ‘innocents’
LAST night’s terror attack came just days after ISIS called on jihadis to mark the start of Ramadan by slaughtering people in their “homes, markets and roads”.
The chilling warning, published on YouTube, was issued after the Manchester Arena attack that killed 22 people on May 22.
The jihadist group made the call in a video message entitled Where are the lions of war? published on YouTube, reported The Telegraph.
It said: “Muslim brothers in Europe who can’t reach the Islamic State lands, attack them in their homes, their markets, their roads and their forums.”
Millions of Muslims worldwide are preparing for Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and religious devotion.
It continued: “Do not despise the work. Your targeting of the so-called innocents and civilians is beloved by us and the most effective, so go forth and may you get a great reward or martyrdom in Ramadan.”
Another article, which was translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (Memri), also warned the UK and “its sister” countries that if they “continue on their path, [in a state of] unbelief and animosity,” then IS will continue striking until the end of time.
It also questions the effectiveness of the UK and Europe of fighting ISIS and the ability to stop attacks on European soil.
The article attacks the UK’s reliance on America and accuses the Government of being unable to make any decisions about fighting ISIS without the approval of Washington.
They describe this history as one of “continuous” wars and animosity.
The startling revelation raises questions over the official terror threat level being lowered to “severe” after being briefly raised following the Manchester blast.
Meanwhile, further details have emerged of the attack which saw three men smash a van into crowds across London Bridge just after 10pm on Saturday.
London Bridge terror attack - What we know so far
- A van ploughed through pedestrians on London Bridge just after 10pm on Saturday
- Three men wearing fake bomb vests jumped out on the south end of the bridge at Borough Market and began knifing bystanders and pub-goers
- Armed police arrived on the scene and within eight minutes the three terrorists were shot dead
- At least six victims were killed and 48 people were injured. The injured were being treated across five London hospitals
- Theresa May will chair a Cobra emergency response meeting later after the attack was confirmed to be a terror incident
- Four controlled explosions were heard near The Sun’s offices in London Bridge between 1:20am and 1:50am
- Police appealed for witnesses
- The Met Police opened a casualty bureau for those concerned about family and friends who might have been caught up in the attacks. There are two numbers to call: 0800 096 1233 and 020 7158 0197
They then jumped from the vehicle, which was branded with B&Q and car rental company Hertz, and began stabbing passersby with hunting knives.
Witnesses told chilling accounts of seeing the attackers “coldly” knifing victims.
Video footage appears to capture the moment the attackers were fired at by armed police.
And police were filmed storming a nearby bar in Borough Market to tell punters to hit the floor.
A shocking photo appears to show the three attackers in the seconds after they were felled by police gunfire — with one seemingly wearing an Arsenal football top under his fake bomb vest.
Did you see the London Bridge terror attack, or know anyone involved? Please contact The Sun newsdesk on 020 7782 4100, text 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk