Riyadh: Slogans in support of militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) were found on the walls of some schools in the Saudi capital following Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz’s call for coordinated counter-terrorism efforts.
The pro-Isil slogans were found on the walls of schools in the Al Naseem neighbourhood of east Riyadh, Saudi media reported on Sunday. Slogans such as ‘surviving and expanding’ have been found on walls in the kingdom. The slogan is used by Isil to enphasize its ability to survive and expand its reign of terror in Iraq and Syria,
“Our society is very passionate about Islam and Muslims. That is why it is easy to take advantage of young men’s feelings, especially in the absence of awareness campaigns... It has become a breeding ground for misconceptions and confusion,” sociologist Sulaiman Al Battah was quoted as saying.
He dismissed as untrustworthy a questionnaire claiming that 92 per cent of respondents believe Isil complies with the Sharia. The questionnaire was put out on social media.
On Friday, King Abdullah had warned that terrorists would target the West if the international community did not unite to confront them. He was speaking at a ceremony to welcome new envoys to Saudi Arabia, including US ambassador Joseph W. Westphal.
“If neglected, I’m sure they [terrorists] will reach Europe in a month and America in another month,” said King Abdullah. “The evils of terrorism must be fought with force, reason and speed.”
The Saudi monarch also underlined the sanctity of human lives, which terrorists ignore. “They even kill themselves,” he said.
King Abdullah had called for the establishment of an international centre to combat terrorism more than 10 years ago.
In 2005, Saudi Arabia hosted an international conference on terrorism during which the proposal for the establishment of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) was unanimously adopted.
King Abdullah pledged $10 million (Dh36.72 million) to the UN to establish the centre and, in 2011, Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with the UN to launch the UNCCT.
Last month, King Abdullah provided the centre with a donation of $100 million to enhance its capabilities and effectiveness in helping countries combat terrorism.
— with inputs from IANS
