WORLD CUP 2018
ISIS releases threat of attack on the 2018 World Cup in Russia
The terrorist organisation is circulating a photoshopped image showing a rifle-carrying militant standing in front of one of the World Cup venues.
On Tuesday, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) released a photoshopped image of a jihadi fighter and a bomb carrying the organisation's black flag in front of Volgograd Arena, one of the venues for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The official symbol of the tournament is also included in the threat.
According to a report by The Mirror, the image was widely shared on pro-ISIS groups through encrypted messaging application Telegram.
Propaganda
Another threat against Russia was released last week, when ISIS published an image featuring photos of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump pasted to gun target practice sheets, accompanied by the words: "Lie in wait for them at every chance to ambush... the Levant is the graveyard of the Russians and Americans."
Recently, the jihadis have suffered severe territorial losses to military campaigns orchestrated by Moscow and Washington.
In April, St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city, was the scene of a bomb attack by ISIS, killing 14 people.
This attack was a response to Russia’s airstrikes in Syria.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be played from 14 June to 15 July across 11 cities in Russia.
FIFA hasn’t yet given any public response to the threats.