In what could be a silver lining to the coronavirus outbreak, Islamic State is telling its jihadists to avoid traveling to Europe for the time being due to coronavirus fears, according to a Sunday Times report.
Although ISIS had previously encouraged terrorists to attack European cities, it is now changing its mind and advising its members to “stay away from the land of the epidemic”.
It is a sign that not only are legitimate governments of sovereign states taking preventive measures due to the spread of new coronavirus in Europe, but also terrorist groups.
In the latest edition of “sharia directives” included in al-Naba newsletter, ISIS also advises its followers to “cover their mouths when yawning and sneezing” and to wash their hands regularly.
As The Sunday Times noted, the ISIS militants already have a wealth of experience with covering their faces anyway.
Worldwide, 155,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus, which so far has claimed 5,800 lives.
Title image: ISIS supporters wave the terrorist group’s flag (AP photo file).
