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On June 8, 2023, a newly-created pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Telegram channel published its first post, commenting on the war in Ukraine. The channel posted an image allegedly showing Western tanks used in Ukraine, saying they were destroyed by Russian forces.[1]
Titled "Intra-Crusader Wars," the post gloated that the end of the "Crusaders" is near, arguing that the war in Ukraine will drag the West into endless further wars.
Describing the image, the post said: "Modern American, German, and British tanks! This is how they look after they attempted to launch a counterattack on the sites of the Russian army in Ukraine!"
Celebrating the destruction of the tanks, the post went to add: "Praise be to Allah, who made us witness such a day, where we see the destruction of their advanced arsenal at each other's hands!"
Praying for the defeat of the U.S. and NATO, the post said: "We are waiting for the day when America and NATO drag their armies to further plunge into endless Crusader wars – by the will of Allah alone."
Acknowledging that ISIS has slowed down its activities due to Western counter-terrorism efforts, the post said: "The Islamic genie, against which you allied, has calmed down! Let us see who will stop your war, you dogs of the East [i.e., Russia] and the West!!"
[1] Telegram, June 9, 2023.
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