ISIS accept Boko Haram’s pledge of allegiance.

The leader of Islamic State which controls large parts of Syria and Iraq has accepted a pledge of allegiance from Nigeria and West Africa’s deadliest terrorist group, Boko Haram in an audio message transmitted by al-Baghdadi’s spokesman today.

“Our caliph, God save him, has accepted the pledge of loyalty of our brothers of Boko Haram so we congratulate Muslims and our jihadi brothers in West Africa,” spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani said, referring to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Islamic State has declared a caliphate in captured territory in Iraq and Syria and has gained global notoriety for killing members of minority religions as well as recording these killings.

Boko Haram, pledged its allegiance to Baghdadi’s group last week, highlighting increased coordination between jihadist movements across North Africa and the Middle East.

In the audio message, Adnani called on Muslims who could not join Islamic State in Syria and Iraq to enter combat in Africa instead. He also issued a threat to Jews and Christians.

“If you want to save your blood and money and live in safety from our swords … you have two choices: either convert or pay jezyah,” he said, referring to tax for non-Muslims under Islamic rule.

Some schools of thought believe that Boko Haram has been seriously weakened by the military offensive in the past six weeks and joining hands with ISIS is aimed at helping them recover. What is your view?

Source: Reuters