ISIS releases chilling photo of Santa next to a box of dynamite in Times Square

ISIS releases chilling photo of Santa next to a box of dynamite in Times Square
December 10, 2017
https://www.conservativeinstitute.org/islam/islamic-terrorism/isis-santa-times-square.htm?utm_campaign=ci2&utm_medium=manual&utm_source=Boomtrain&bt_alias=eyJ1c2VySWQiOiAiZWY0MGMwZDctYmU0Ni00YjlhLThhNGUtZWNlOTA1ODUyOTJjIn0%3D
ISIS releases chilling photo of Santa next to a box of dynamite in Times Square
Image Source: Screenshot
Terror comes in many forms — often, mental warfare, particularly the cultivation and spread of fear, are just as effective as deploying physical attacks. In that vein,

ISIS has been threatening a variety of attacks. Last month, it was a Christmas attack on the Vatican. They haven’t finished delivering threats, however. According to The Sun, ISIS appears to be plotting an attack on New York City, with an emphasis on the Christmas holidays.

The terrorist group has taken to social media to post threatening images that indicate a possible attack on Times Square, where millions gather every year to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s one of the largest public gatherings in the country, and many families make watching the “ball drop” a part of their holiday celebration.

ISIS’ Threat
It’s for these reasons that a potential attack on the city could spell devastation for those involved.

ISIS’ post contained an imposing image of Santa Claus standing near Times Square with a crate bearing the words “high explosive dynamite.” The image was also captioned, which threatened, “We meet at Christmas in New York… Soon.”



Americans aren’t the only ones with reason to be on high alert this holiday season. ISIS also named Christmas markets throughout continental Europe as valuable targets for the holidays. Images posted by the terrorist group used a similar design motif that they used in their warnings to New Yorkers — one shows a blood-stained hand holding a knife in front of the Eiffel Tower.

London’s famous Regent Street was also named as a possible target by the terrorists, who posted an image of a hooded figure standing on the road.

The World’s Response
Terrorist communication channels are obviously monitored by intelligence communities throughout the world, so it’s likely that world governments are preparing to deploy heightened security to protect the various Christmas celebrations around the world.

Other governments are issuing official travel warnings, recommending that travelers be vigilant as they travel and celebrate this winter season.

Indeed, the UK’s Foreign Office’s missive reads: “There may be increased security in place over the Christmas and New Year period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds. You should be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Here in America, we would do well to take the same safety precautions. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are of particular importance in our society, and the New York City celebration is like no other in size and scope.

It’s imperative that we protect ourselves and our loved ones during these times. Hopefully, the Trump administration stands ready to address the threats posed to them by extremist terrorists.