ISIS's Global Messaging Strategy Fact Sheet: December 2014

The attack by an alleged ISIS supporter at a Lindt chocolate shop in Syndey, Australia on December 15, 2014 has raised fears of the international spread of ISIS. The incident, which resulted in critical injuries to four hostages and the deaths of two, bore no signs of formal connection to ISIS. Yet the assailant, Man Haron Monis, requested an ISIS flag during the attack, and had recently posted an online pledge of allegiance to the “Caliph of the Muslims”, belying sympathies for the group that claims to have established the Islamic Caliphate. ISIS is not limited to Iraq and Syria; the global threat of attacks by ISIS is amply attested and requires due consideration.