Followers of the Islamic State terror group are being urged to attack by any means possible civilians of the West, including Australia, in a chilling exhortation posted online by the militant group's chief spokesman.
In what is believed to be the group's first blanket call to violence against countries planning military action in Iraq, the statement attributed to chief Islamic State spokesman Muhammad al-Adnani mentions Australia three times amid page after page of apocalyptic threats against "crusaders".
"If you can kill a disbelieving American or European – especially the spiteful and filthy French – or an Australian, or a Canadian, or any other disbeliever from the disbelievers waging war, including the citizens of the countries that entered into a coalition against the Islamic State, then rely upon Allah, and kill him in any manner or way however it may be," the statement says.
"Do not ask for anyone's advice and do not seek anyone's verdict. Kill the disbeliever, whether he is civilian or military, for they have the same ruling. Both of them are disbelievers."
Over 11 pages, the statement unrestrainedly urges followers towards martyrdom, telling them they are "like predatory warriors" who "face death with bare chests".
It comes just days after police smashed an alleged plot in Sydney to kill random Australians on camera and also as world leaders prepare to meet at the United Nations in New York to discuss how to combat the problem of foreign fighters travelling to Iraq and Syria.
Al-Adnani is regarded as the most authoratitive spokesman at Islamic State, also known as ISIL. The statement represents the most concrete threat yet to Australia by the group's leadership.
A spokewoman for Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Monday that the statement is considered to be an authentic statement from the terror organisation.
"Australian agencies regard the statement issued today by ISIL calling for attacks against members of the international coalition, including Australians, as genuine," she said.
"ISIL will claim that our involvement in this international effort is the reason they are targeting us, but these people do not attack us for what we do, but for who we are and how we live."
Mr Abbott opened question time on Monday with a speech warning that some freedoms for Australians may need to be restricted to prevent attacks from terror groups.
Chilling threats
Disturbingly, the statement attributed to al-Adnani also offers itself as a final declaration, telling followers they need no further permission from a Muslim cleric.
It calls US President Barack Obama a "mule of the Jews" and Secretary of State John Kerry an "uncircumcised old geezer".
In apocalyptic tones, the message goes on to declare: "O soldiers of the Islamic State, be ready for the final campaign of the crusaders. Yes, by Allah's will, it will be the final one."
The statement threatens not just to beat back any military campaign in Iraq and Syrian but also to go on the offensive, even if it takes generations.
"We will conquer your Rome, break your crosses, and enslave your women, by the permission of Allah, the Exalted," it says. "If we do not reach that time, then our children and grandchildren will reach it, and they will sell your sons as slaves at the slave market."
It focuses most of its fury on the United States but mentions Australia three times, urging Islamic fighters in various countries who are American allies to take up arms.
"O America, O allies of America, and O crusaders, know that the matter is more dangerous than you have imagined and greater than you have envisioned," it says. "We have warned you that today we are in a new era, an era where the State, its soldiers, and its sons are leaders not slaves. Being killed – according to their account – is a victory. This is where the secret lies."
It asks of Islamic State followers: "Why is it that the world has united against you? … What threat do you pose to the distant place of Australia for it to send its legions towards you? What does Canada have anything to do with you?"
The statement goes on to say that anyone who refuses to recognise the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate is mocking the Prophet.
It calls on followers to "fear not the swarms of planes, nor ballistic missiles, nor drones, nor satellites, nor battleships, nor weapons of mass destruction".
