Vehicle Attacks, Propaganda, and Sleeper Cells: ISIS Renews Global Threat

New ISIS propaganda targets Christians and Western nations, highlighting renewed threats including vehicle attacks, sleeper cells, and anti-church rhetoric—critical intel for church security teams.

Overview

The latest Indago SITREP dated May 5, 2025, confirms a resurgence in global Islamic State (IS) activity, with increasing operational sophistication, international propaganda campaigns, and specific targeting narratives that should concern church security teams. While many attacks remain concentrated in Africa and the Middle East, the underlying rhetoric and ideological direction of IS content highlights Western Christians and churches as symbolic targets. Christian Warrior Training (CWT) followers should take note of both the immediate threats and the long-term trends reflected in this bulletin.

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Arrest Tied to New Orleans Church-Linked Vehicle Attack

Iraqi authorities recently arrested an IS operative accused of inciting a deadly vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans that killed 14 individuals in January 2025. This incident is particularly relevant to U.S. churches because it involved a vehicle being used as a weapon—a method increasingly favored by terrorist groups due to its simplicity and devastating results. Security teams should review their physical layout and consider implementing hard perimeters such as bollards or barriers near entry points and gathering areas, especially outdoor spaces.

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IS Propaganda Calls for Attacks in the West

Multiple propaganda flyers and graphics distributed through IS-linked media outlets openly call for violence against the West, portraying Western nations as "lands of disbelief" and labeling Christians as legitimate targets. One flyer titled "O Muslim in the Lands of Disbelief" urges Western-based Muslims to make hijrah (emigrate) to join IS or conduct attacks in place

Another highly disturbing flyer from Al-Saif Media features a masked militant holding the severed head of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, displayed against a ruined Al-Aqsa mosque. The caption reads, "#AndKillThemWhereverYouFindThem," directly invoking Quranic language misused by extremists to justify violence. Though Israel is the specific political target, the symbolism is religious and aimed broadly at Christians and Jews.

Graphic excerpt from IS flyer: "Malicious Media Destroys Loyalty and Disavowal" — Accuses Christian and Muslim interfaith figures of betraying Islam. Targets include the Pope and Al-Azhar leaders.

These propaganda materials are not idle threats. They serve to radicalize lone-wolf attackers, especially within Western nations where organized sleeper cells may not be active but ideological sympathizers exist.

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Radicalization and Arrests in Western Countries

Authorities in Kosovo arrested two individuals for distributing pro-IS propaganda on TikTok and Facebook, displaying IS flags at their residence. In Georgia, a foreign fighter with advanced bomb-making skills was apprehended, having joined IS in 2014 and possessing electronic devices and potential attack planning materials.

Meanwhile, in Azerbaijan, an 18-year-old was arrested for planning a Molotov cocktail attack on a synagogue in Baku. These examples show IS's strategy of nurturing grassroots extremism in both Muslim-majority and Westernized societies. For churches, especially those visible in their communities or active online, digital vigilance and congregation awareness training are vital.

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Attacks in Nigeria and Syria Reflect Broader Tactical Trends

IS-WA (Islamic State West Africa) conducted brutal attacks in Borno State, Nigeria, killing at least 41 people in two incidents: one involved a truck driving over an IED, the other was a mass shooting targeting mourners. These incidents reveal the continued use of IEDs and attacks on soft targets—events that resemble worship gatherings or funerals.

In Syria, IS targeted Kurdish-led SDF checkpoints and convoys with coordinated attacks in Deir ez-Zor province. These attacks were synchronized and featured heavy firepower, suggesting increased logistical and operational capacity.

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Technological Escalation: Drones and Digital Tools

There is growing evidence of IS employing armed drones in West Africa, especially near the Cameroon border. At the same time, the group continues to expand its digital footprint. Arrests tied to TikTok and other platforms highlight the effectiveness of social media in recruitment and psychological warfare.

Churches should assume that digital platforms can serve both as surveillance tools for attackers and radicalization channels for at-risk individuals. Train your congregation in operational security (OPSEC) and ensure digital outreach efforts don't unwittingly give away vulnerable church layouts or security gaps.

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Strategic Recommendations for Church Security Teams

1. Harden Perimeters: Use natural or artificial barriers to reduce vulnerability to vehicle ramming.

2. Control Digital Footprint: Audit social media for exploitable data (photos of entry/exit points, schedules, events).

3. Recognize Propaganda Themes: Educate staff on common extremist narratives such as anti-coexistence rhetoric, martyrdom appeals, and religious superiority claims.

4. Monitor Soft Targets: Funerals, outdoor events, and children’s gatherings remain top targets.

5. Stay Scripturally Grounded: Maintain vigilance not from fear, but from duty. As Scripture commands: "Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).

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Final Note

The threat landscape remains fluid. While IS lacks territorial dominance, its ideological spread and propaganda campaigns are accelerating. Churches must maintain a posture of biblical readiness: not retreating into fear, but wisely preparing to protect the flock.

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In His Service,
Keith Graves
Christian Warrior Training