Attack followed lessons in IS magazine

NEW DELHI : The truck attack in Manhattan by an Uzbek man that killed eight people was carried out in a manner that was a virtual replay of instructions for such assaults in an Islamic State magazine last year.

Though the IS has not claimed the attack, CNN reported that authorities had found a note in English that stated the suspect had carried it out in the name of the terror network led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

In its November 2016 issue of Rumiyah magazine, the IS had given detailed instructions for carrying out truck attacks in an article titled “Just terror tactics”. Ironically, the article featured a photo of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the world’s largest parade, with a caption describing it as “An excellent target”.

As part of preparation and planning for truck attacks, the article had said that the attacker should assess a vehicle for roadworthiness, fill it with sufficient fuel, map out the route of the attack and survey the route for obstacles such as posts, signs, barriers, humps and bus stops.

“If accessible, a secondary weapon should be attained,” the article stated.

The article also gave instructions on how the attacker should announce allegiance to the IS.

“Also, an appropriate way should be determined for announcing one’s allegiance to the Khalifah of the Muslims…so that the motive of the attack is acknowledged. An example of such would be simply writing on dozens of sheets of paper ‘The Islamic State will remain!’ or ‘I am a soldier of the Islamic State!’ prior, and launching them from the vehicle’s window during the execution of the attack.”

From all reports of the attack, Saipov appears to have followed all the instructions though he was unable to acquire a “secondary weapon” — police found he had been carrying a paintball gun and a pellet gun.

The IS magazine also gave detailed instructions on how to choose a truck for such attacks and on suitable targets. Many of the details focussed on by the IS were aimed at maximising casualties, such as using a heavier vehicle with a metal outer frame.

Among the targets listed by the IS were large outdoor conventions and celebrations, “pedestrian-congested streets”, outdoor markets, festivals, parades and political rallies.

“In general, one should consider any outdoor attraction that draws large crowds,” it added.