IS Aussies trained to hit West
AAP
A specialist unit of English speaking and Australian Islamic State fighters are being separately trained to carry out attacks abroad.
The Australian has revealed intelligence information alleging ten Aussie nationals are serving with the “Anwar al-wlaki Brigade” of IS, which receives specialist instruction on how to spread jihad and terrorism out of Syria.
Foreign fighters make up the brigade and instead of being taught to become exceptional fighters, they are used as “cannon fodder” to plan or personally carry out attacks in Western nations, reported The Australian.
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“I am deeply concerned that Australians are being trained by ISIL to conduct attacks against the West or to encourage people within our communities to engage in terrorist activity,” foreign minister Julie Bishop told The Australian.
Prakash, a top ISIL recruiter, is believed to be fighting in Syria. Photo: ABC
“ISIL has already used Australians in its propaganda videos and it is likely that they will seek to use their English-language ability to spread their poisonous ideology into Australia and other nations.”
Imbedded with the group is former Australian rapper, Neil Prakash, who fled for the Middle East in 2013.
Mr Prakash is considered the most senior Australian serving with IS and has subsequently become the number one target for intelligence authorities.
It is believed he has an active role in attempting to organise attacks in Australia.
The existence of the special brigade of foreigners has been known for some time, however Ms Bishop’s response is the first time it’s been confirmed Australians are in the group.
Included with the Australians in the Anwar al-Awlaki Brigade are fighters from Britain and Scandinavia.
The Australian reported one of the brigade’s members as saying: “The order has been issued to implement an armed operation within my country.
“I am now ready to return to my town and carry out operations, now I am able to do jihad in Europe.
