The Islamic State, the jihadist group better known as ISIS, is planning to
expand its holy war to northwest China's restive Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous
Region, reports the Chinese-language magazine Phoenix Weekly.
ISIS, which claims religious authority over all Muslims across the world, is
currently facing US air strikes in Iraq aimed at protecting American diplomats
and religious minorities from what US president Barack Obama called a "potential
act of genocide."
On July 4, US Independence Day, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi released a
video detailing the group's explansion plans, declaring that he planned to seek
vengeance against those who took away the rights of Muslims in 20 countries
across the world, of which China was placed first. Other areas mentioned
included India, Palestine, Somalia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Caucasus.
"By God, we will take revenge. Even if it takes a while, we will take revenge
and we will retaliate doubly and more," Al-Baghdadi said, adding, "the day will
come when Muslims will be walking everywhere as noble masters. Those who dare to
stand up against them will be disciplined and all hands that reach out to them
will be cut off."
In the video, Al-Baghdadi referenced China and Xinjiang numerous times,
criticizing Beijing's policy against Muslims in the region and asking all
Chinese Muslims to plead allegiance to him.
Xinjiang is home to the Muslim Uyghur ethnic minority, who have long accused
the Chinese government of suppressing their religious and cultural freedoms.
Uyghurs have been largely blamed for a spate of terror attacks in and out of the
region in recent years, including a riot late last month which authorities say
led to 100 deaths and over 200 arrests. It is the most violent incident to rock
the region since the infamous 2009 riots in the capital of Urumqi that left 197
people dead and another 1,700 injured.
China's minister of Public Security, Guo Shengkun, has visited Xinjiang three
times this year alone to oversee counter-terrorism and social stability
campaigns.
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