Islamic State finds biological warfare best weapon amid pandemic: Study

NEW YORK: The Islamic State and Al-Qaeda propagandists instead of blaming Western or Chinese powers for creating and spreading the virus as a bioweapon, claim that the coronavirus is a soldier of Allah sent to avenge the Muslim people's suffering brought about by the US and its allies.

The new international study published in the journal Global Security: Health, Science and Policy, analysed terrorist activity and trends across the globe since the pandemic began.

"In this narrative, the coronavirus is seen as a type of plague sent by God that will kill the enemies of Allah, sparing the believing Muslims," the study authors wrote.

"In May, ISIS spokesman Abu Hamza al-Qurashi made a speech in which he compared the pandemic to the biblical story of Moses cursing Pharaoh with the 10 plagues until he relented and let God's people go," they noted.

What might be even more troubling, the research shows, is grave concerns that jihadists will learn from the horrific world impact of Covid-19 and "intensify their efforts to switch from the use of complicated devices, bombs, and suicide attacks to biological warfare, and bioterrorism".

The study demonstrated evidence of doctoral-level scientists who had been recruited by ISIS to study scientific journals about biological and chemical advancements. (IANS)

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