ISIS: France Remains a Top Target

ISIS Video Warned France to Expect Attacks Over a Year Ago

ISIS has issued another statement in the wake of the Friday evening attacks on Paris, saying they were meant to show France will remain in danger as long as it continues its current policies, adding that France remains “at the top of ISIS’ list of targets” and that they should expect more attacks.

Over the weekend, ISIS also re-released a video, first seen back in September of 2014, which warned the “filthy French” should expect terrorist attacks. The video was released as France joined the US-led coalition against ISIS.

French President Francois Hollande authorized attacks against ISIS back on September 18, 2014 and the first strikes were carried out against ISIS targets less than 24 hours later. The video was released not long thereafter, and also urged more Frenchmen to join ISIS.

France is one of the largest Western source of ISIS recruits, and French intelligence had been warning from the start this made them a particular target for returning fighters. This concern grew dramatically with France formally getting involved in the war.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.