ISIL shuns fashion guide for terrorists

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is distancing itself from a lengthy manual that gives fashion tips to militants looking to blend in while plotting “lone wolf” attacks in western countries.

The 62- page manual, “Safety and security guidelines for lone wolf mujahedeen and small cells,” gives advice on types of perfume and jewelry to wear, and how to colour- co- ordinate an outfit — along with guidance on encrypting communication and eluding authorities.

“Wearing a red or yellow shirt with black pants will get you noticed as someone who is not used to this kind of clothing,” it reads. “If you can get a haircut in a professional hairdresser, try to do so.”

“Your beard should be shaved off at least 2 weeks before your travel so the skin under your beard can be exposed to the sun.”

But ISIL propagandists have since released a sternly worded statement, denying any involvement — even though known ISIL supporters were distributing it as recently as late last year, according to Michael Smith II, an ISIL analyst with Kronos Advisory who works with a U. S. congressional task force on terrorism.

“It calls upon readers to wear a cross on way to Jihad and other opinions which the Islamic state is innocent from,” the statement reads, referencing a passage in the guide with encourages would- be attackers to wear “a necklace showing a Christian cross.”

At least two ISIL propaganda channels sent out the missive on Telegram, an encrypted messaging service, said Smith. “The author is not a friend to the Islamic state, rather a foe,” the statement says — though it’s not clear who exactly has run afoul of the militant group.

ISIL’s rival, al- Qaida, originally distributed the guide in Arabic. The current version was translated i nto English. Smith said it’s unclear whether ISIL’s issue is with al- Qaida or the guide’s unnamed translator.