Is ISIS planning to occupy Mecca?

Rasa – Clashes erupted between Saudi border patrol and ISIL terrorists trying to enter Saudi Arabia from Iraq, Saudi Local media reported earlier this morning. But is ISIS planning to occupy Mecca?

News ID: 2029

Date: 20 January 2015 - 03:05

RNA - Local news outlets report clashes between Saudi border patrol and ISIL Takfiri militants trying to enter Saudi Arabia from Iraq earlier this morning.

Some analysts say that the action is clearly an indication of the Islamic State’s intent to expand its influence and control from stronghold in Syria and Iraq south into Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the rest of the Arab Gulf.

The aimed areas are significant for both their vast oil and gas resources as well as the existence of the two important cities of Mecca and Medina.

The armed engagement dovetails with al-Baghdadi’s call for increased attacks inside the Saudi Kingdom. It is likely he realizes that no one can claim to be the Islamic State without controlling the holy sites in and around Mecca and Medina and the wealth that comes with them.

According to News Week, in recent months, al-Baghdadi has issued calls for attacks inside Saudi Arabia. The Eastern Province of Al-Awamiya is home to the majority of Saudi Shia and most of the Saudi Kingdom’s oil.

Kuwait and the other Gulf states, particularly Bahrain, also have large Shia populations, which can be a prime targets for Takfiri ISIS militants to attack.

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