Maltese flag in Islamic State’s new video on ‘coalition of devils’

The Maltese flag has featured in Islamic State’s alleged new video proclaiming a final showdown in a battle at Dabiq – a Syrian town that represents the site of Armageddon in Islam – against the so called ‘coalition of devils’.

The four minute clip, released online yesterday, includes an image showing the flags of 60 nations the terrorists say are part of a global coalition against the Islamic State.

Malta is among them, along with the UK, the US, Japan, Canada, France and Australia.

Narrated in a typical Hollywood movie trailer-style voice, the film goads the United States to “bring it on” after military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq left US troops “demoralised”.

The propaganda video threatens the allies who fight against Islamic State. “There’s your coalition of devils with Iran, Turkey and Russia joining the fray. That’s because the Millah of Kufr (unbelievers) will also unite you to fight the truth. So bring it on – all of you. Your numbers only increase us in faith.”

The video also says that the final showdown will see 80 banners of 12,000 troops each fighting against the Islamic State’s forces. “Bring it on... Gather your allies. Plot against us and show us no respite. Our ally is the greatest. He is Allah and all glory goes to him.”

Malta not part of anti-IS coalition

In 2014, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs had categorically denied that Malta has signed an agreement to join the anti-Islamic State Coalition.

The denial came amid reports by international media that claim Malta formed part of 62 countries who joined the United States in a coalition against ISIL.

Although the list was reported by The Telegraph and The Washington Post as including Malta, the list carried on the website of the US Department of State, accessed on Tuesday 30 September, does not include Malta.

Malta has no commitment towards the United States or any other country or organisation to join such a coalition. “Malta’s neutrality has the goal to achieve peace and therefore Malta cannot remain neutral or passive in such circumstance,” the ministry had said.