The Islamic State (Isis) group has released a video appearing to warn the US that fighters are waiting in Iraq if President Barack Obama chooses to send troops in there.
The 52-second film, entitled ‘Flames of War’ purports to be a trailer and shows tanks being hit, wounded US soldiers and men on their knees as they are about to be executed. It features blockbuster style slow-motion replays and explosions and appears to have been released by the Al Hayat Media Centre, which distributes Isis propaganda.
It then shows a clip of Mr Obama saying American combat troops will not be returning to Iraq, followed by a strapline that reads: “fighting has just begun”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td9SyiIRHWs
The video, released on Tuesday, ends with the text “coming soon”. It appears to have been released hours after General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that if current Iraq strategy is not sufficient he could recommend deploying US soldiers.
The film is one of a series released by Isis, including footage showing the beheadings of two American journalists and a British aid worker.
The group has also released propaganda videos aimed at persuading people from the West to join fighting in Iraq and Syria.
FBI Director James Comey told Congress on Wednesday that Islamic State is “committed to instilling fear and attracting recruits” and drawing attention through use of videos and social media.