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On June 5, 2024, pro-Al-Qaeda media group Jaysh Al-Malahem Al-Electroni [Electronic Army of Epic Battles] launched a new Telegram bot.[1] Its previous bot was launched on March 23 and was active at least until mid-May.[2]
On the same day, the media group published a one-page statement in Arabic titled "Praise for the Heroic Operation in the City of Mannheim."[3] The statement celebrates the May 31 stabbing attack at an anti-Islam rally in the southwestern German city of Mannheim, in which a police officer was killed and several others were injured, including far-right activist Michael Stürzenberger of the Citizens' Movement Pax Europa (BPE). The attack, perpetrated by an unnamed 25-year-old Afghan national residing in Germany, had "clear indications of an Islamist motive," according to Justice Minister Marco Buschmann.[4]
The statement begins: "We congratulate the Islamic ummah [nation] as a whole on the blessed operation that targeted the enemy of Allah, Michael Stürzenberger – may Allah hasten his death – … in a new chapter of glory for this religion and humiliation and abasement for its enemies."
Jaysh Al-Malahem also praises "the jihadi knight, the hero of the London operation, which the Lord willed not to grant success," telling the perpetrator: "Be patient, and don't worry … for your reward is preserved, Allah willing." The statement further lauds "the blessed operations which targeted Jews in Egypt,[5] Turkey, and Jerusalem," although it is unclear exactly which attacks are being referred to. It urges Muslims to "expend more effort to support our people in Gaza," declaring that this "does not conflict with confronting any offender who dares to act insolently against our Quran, religion, and Prophet."
The statement concludes: "We would like to reiterate what we have repeated many times: O infidels of the world of various shades, do not dare to approach our religion and sanctities … O Allah, defeat and shake the forces [that have joined to fight Islam]. O Allah, accept Your servants the martyrdom-seekers, who protect what is holy and defend Your Book. O Allah, punish anyone who acts insolently toward our religion, Quran, and prophet."
Jaysh Al-Malahem often publishes statements praising lone-wolf attacks in Western and Muslim countries and inciting Muslims to carry out such operations.[6]
[1] Telegram, June 5, 2024.
[2] See MEMRI JTTM Report: Pro-Al-Qaeda Media Group Rejects Claims Of Al-Qaeda-Iran Collaboration As Propaganda By Intelligence Agencies, May 16, 2024
[3] Telegram, June 5, 2024.
[4] Dw.com, June 4, 2024.
[5] See MEMRI JTTM Reports: Egyptian Group Claims Killing Israeli Businessman In Alexandria, Says Attack Was Well-Planned, May 7, 2024; Al-Qaeda General Command Exhorts Muslim Youth To Follow Alexandria Shooters: 'Chop Off Heads' Of American, Western, And Israeli Zionists, Says: 'Demonstrations By Non-Muslims Freed Muslims To Only Focus On Fulfilling Their "Predestined Duty" Of Jihad', May 24, 2024; and 'Al-Farouq Brigades – Sinai' Jihadi Group Urges People Of Egypt, Jordan To Join Fight Against Israel, Carry Out Deadly Attacks On Its Borders And Against Its Interests, May 29, 2024.
[6] See MEMRI JTTM Reports: Pro-Al-Qaeda Media Group Calls For Jihad Worldwide To Support Gaza In Honor Of Ramadan, March 11, 2024; Pro-Al-Qaeda Media Outlets Release Posters Calling For Jihad Against Arab Regimes That 'Participate In Murder' In Gaza, And For Lone-Wolf Attacks In The West, April 9, 2024; and Pro-Al-Qaeda Media Group Praises Stabbings In Australia, France; Warns 'Crusader Peoples' Against Defaming Islam, April 18, 2024.
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