ISIS is urging their followers to “target concerts” and it “still plotting violence” in Europe, an expert tells the Daily Express.
Lucas Webber, co-found of Militant Wire and research fellow at the Soufan Centre, says ISIS to form a “broader movement” that may “attempt to target more concerts.”
He said: “IS has intensified its violent incitement efforts and external operations activities since October 7. ISKP has specifically commanded its followers to target concerts and IS has a history of targeting music festivals and events.”
“IS will continue plotting and inspiring violence, and it is possible the organization and broader movement may attempt to target more concerts.”
ISKP, or ISIS-K, is the branch of ISIS based in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In March, ISIS-K operatives attacked Crocus City Hall in Moscow, killing 145 people who were there to attend or work at a concert.
The terrorists set fire to the venue before fleeing. Russian investigators detained 12 people in relation to the attack, including four suspects, who were charged with terrorism offences.
In August, Taylor Swift was forced to cancel three concerts in Vienna, Austria, after a terror plot by ISIS was foiled.
CIA deputy director David Cohen said last week that ISIS “were plotting to kill a huge number – tens of thousands of people at this concert.”
Taylor Swift’s 15 UK shows made it a busy year for concertgoers, and Oasis’ reunion tours in 2025 will see 19 shows played across the UK.
The Home Office was approached for comment.
The terror threat level in the UK is currently set at substantial, meaning an attack is likely.