The caliphate jumps to a second continent

The Herald reports:

The Nigerian militant group Boko Haram has announced it is joining Isis (Islamic State) by apparently releasing an audio statement swearing allegiance to the movement’s leader.

The declaration means Isis can now add swathes of northern Nigeria to a self-declared caliphate that already stretches across Syria and Iraq.

This year analysts noted the growing sophistication of videos released by the Nigerian group, suggesting the two jihadist networks were growing closer.

In an audio message posted on the group’s Twitter account, it said: “We swear our allegiance to to the Caliph of the Muslims [Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi], and all hear and obey him in times of difficulty and prosperity, in hardship and in ease, and to endure being discriminated against …”

The declaration of allegiance is the latest by a series of violent jihadist groups, including several in Libya.

But Boko Haram’s 51,800 sq km of territory, from where it is able to launch attacks with ease, makes it one of the most important factions now flying the black Isis flag.

When ISIL says they wish to establish a global caliphate, they are not just saying it as a PR stunt. Their aim is not regional power.

Meanwhile Labour’s policy continues to be that one can defeat ISIL by improving agriculture in Iraq!