Terrorist Attack in Russia and Islamic State Wilayat Khurasan’s Jihadist Propaganda

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Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 41 Issue 10

Author: Giuliano Bifolchi

Executive Summary

On April 8th, 2024, the Al Azaim Foundation, the Islamic State Wilayat Khurasan’s media branch, released the Voice of Khurasan Issue 34 titled “The Bear Bewildered.” This publication analysed the recent terrorist attack in Moscow defined as a ‘retaliation’ and serves as a call to action aimed at mobilising the Muslim Ummah against perceived Western invasions and advocating for the restoration of the Caliphate.

By vilifying democratic systems, particularly in Bangladesh, the propaganda seeks to undermine faith in established governance structures and rally support for the Islamic State’s agenda.

The magazine defined the violent attack at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow a retaliatory measure against the perceived injustices perpetrated by the global coalition, particularly Russia. Through strategic messaging, the Islamic State aims to justify its violent actions and position itself as a defender of Islamic values against external threats.

The Voice of Khurasan Issue 34 – An Overview

The magazine comprises 83 pages of crafted jihadist propaganda, meticulously designed to convey the core messages and communication strategies of the Islamic State. Within its pages, the publication functions as a strategic instrument, highlighting the perceived injustices endured by Muslims and advocating for the establishment of the Caliphate.

Towards the end, a call-to-action urges supporters to contribute to the Islamic State’s cause through various means, accompanied by clear guidelines delineating the expected conduct of supporters.

Notably, the magazine concludes with a stark and direct threat aimed at Europe, symbolised by an image portraying a mujahideen armed with weapons and explosives within the confines of a public transport setting, serving as a menacing reminder of the group’s capability and intent to strike at the heart of Western civilization.

Contents of the magazine:

• A Message for Bangladesh
• Exclusive – The Bear Bewildered
• Allah Will Bring This Matter to Its Consummation
• One from the Best Generation: Fatima
• Status Quo
• Light of Darkness -2
• On the Path of Being a Faithful Servant -2
• If not Now, Then When?

The Voice of Khurasan highlights the recent Bangladeshi national election as a democratic farce in its first pages, urging Muslims to awaken and reclaim their true religion. It portrays the government of Bangladesh as treacherous and corrupt, bowing to external influences rather than adhering to Islamic principles. There is a strong condemnation of democratic systems, labelling them as antithetical to Islam and serving as tools of oppression by “kaffir imperialists.”

By framing the struggle as one between Islam and secular democracy, the magazine attempts to mobilise support for the Caliphate movement, portraying it as the only legitimate authority capable of upholding Islamic principles and protecting the Muslim Ummah.