ISIS Claims Responsibility For The Coordinated Terrorism Attacks In Jakarta

Updated information continues for the coordinated attacks in Jakarta, which hit Thursday during a crowded daytime scene in a commercial area. From the onset, these attacks appeared to mimic last November’s Paris attacks with multi-site, coordinated similarities. At least seven explosions detonated in Jakarta, including at a Starbucks (where three suicide bombers struck), McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut. The Indonesian government declared these acts were “definitely terrorism” and may have purposely targeted Western brands. Indonesia holds the highest population of Muslims in a country, and the threat of radicalization sets itself aside from the peaceful religion.

Following a recent ISIS vow to place Indonesia in the “spotlight,” the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Jakarta carnage. An online message makes the official claim, and Jakarta police chief Tito Karnavian pointed towards Bahrun Naim, a militant positioning himself to lead Southeast Asia’s ISIS-affiliated groups. Police spokesman Gen. Anton Charliyan told the press, “We have identified all attackers … we can say the attackers were affiliated with the ISIS group.”

These attacks (which left up to seven dead and nineteen injured) don’t reach the magnitude of the Paris event, but the Jakarta carnage reinforces the global reach of ISIS. These attacks are growing more frequent with ISIS also claiming responsibility for the Baghdad mall siege earlier this week. As a sign of solidarity, Indonesians are coming together with the #KamiTidakTakut hashtag, which promises, “We are not afraid.” Some of the tribute artwork looks a little familiar as a bittersweet tribute.

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(Via Boston Globe & CNN)