ISIS Accepts Boko Haram’s Allegiance Pledge

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has accepted a pledge of allegiance from Nigeria’s militant group, Boko Haram, according to an audio message.

In the tape, Mohammed al-Adnani, who identified himself as ISIS spokesperson, said the aim of establishing a caliphate has now been expanded to West Africa.

In the tape, which is yet to be verified, the spokesperson said, “We announce to you the good news of the expansion of the caliphate to West Africa because the caliph… has accepted the allegiance of our brothers of the Sunni group for preaching and the jihad.”

Boko Haram posted a message saying it wanted to join ranks with IS last week. The terrorist group began a military campaign to impose Islamist rule in northern Nigeria in 2009.

The spokesman also urged Muslims to join militants in West Africa, rejecting suggestions that Iraqi forces and the US-led coalition have recently had a series of victories against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.