Al Qaeda sent out a rally call in the latest edition of its Inspire magazine for terrorist affiliates to set off car bombs at select U.S. sites, even going so far as to name a few choice locations.
Among the recommended targets are D.C., New York, Northern Virginia, Chicago and Los Angeles, the magazine suggested, according to Newsmax. The terrorist organization also called for strikes in Great Britain, France and “other crusader countries.”
The Inspire article reminded followers to target heavily populated areas — including political campaigns and sporting events — as well as to strike at vulnerable times when Americans have their guard down, such as Christmas and New Year’s, Newsmax reported.
In Britain, terrorists are told to try for soccer stadiums, “when huge crowds leave the stadium and celebrate around the entrances and [the English Football Association’s] Cup matches.”
“The important thing is that you target people and not buildings,” the article said.
Washington and New York carry symbolic weight, the article reminded. Northern Virginia is also a prime target because it “attracts a load of tourists” and “almost all the military bases are based in this state,” the article said.
The magazine’s editor also penned a brief piece that advocated taking action: “The American government to the Muslim Ummah in general and Muslims living in America in particular, Inspire magazine humbly presents to you a simple improvised home recipe of Shahzad’s car bomb. And the good news is … you can prepare it in the kitchen of your mom, too.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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