The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.
In anticipation of the upcoming second and final round of the presidential elections in France, jihadis have issued calls and threats to launch attacks in the country. The Islamic State (ISIS) was quick to claim responsibility for the April 20, 2017 attack on police in Paris on the eve of the first round, and the group's supporters online celebrated the attack and called for more. ISIS's French media wing incited followers in France to carry out further attacks, urging them to follow the example of the perpetrators of the attacks in Europe, and especially France. One pro-ISIS writer hinted that the group prefers a Marine Le Pen win, since that would alienate French Muslims and push them to rise up against their government and turn to joining ISIS's ranks.
Jihadi activists also have also taken the elections as an opportunity for ideological recruitment among radical Islamists in France, warning them that participation in elections is forbidden by the religion.
It should be noted that Al-Qaeda has also renewed its calls for attacks against France; one prominent Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) leader called upon African Muslims living in France to carry out attacks there in revenge against France for its actions in Mali.
Following are links to recent reports published by the MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM):
French Salafis Discuss On Facebook Whether It Is Permissible To Pray For A Le Pen Victory
Senior AQIM Leader Calls On African Muslims In France To Carry Out Attacks There
ISIS Calls For Attacks In France Before Final Round Of Elections
Pro-ISIS Propaganda Outlet Praises Champs-Élysées Attack, Pledges Intensified Attacks Against West
Jihadi Reactions To the Attack On The Champs Elysées In Paris
Salafi-Jihadi Campaign Against Muslim Participation In French Presidential Elections
