63 people killed in a terror attack in France, Tunisia and Kuwait

Beirut: Terrorists attacked sites in France, Tunisia and Kuwait on Friday, killing 63 across three continents and prompting fresh concerns about spreading jihadi influences. 

In France, attackers stormed a US-owned industrial chemical plant near Lyon, decapitated one person, and tried unsuccessfully to blow up the factory, in what French authorities said was a terrorist attack. 

In Tunisia, gunmen opened fire at a beach resort, killing at least 37 people, said officials. At least one of the attackers was killed by the security forces. 

And in Kuwait, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for an explosion at a mosque in Kuwait City. Local news reports said at least 25 were killed and eight injured. 

There was



no immediate indication that the attacks were coordinated. However, the three strikes on three continents came at roughly the same time, and mere days after the IS called for such operations during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. 

While authorities in each country were investigating, the timing of the attacks raised the possibility that militants from the group, which has seized territory in Iraq and Syria, were increasingly inspiring sympathisers to plan and carry out attacks in their own countries. 

“Muslims, embark and hasten toward jihad,” said the Islamic State’s spokesman, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, in an audio message released this week. “Oh mujahideen everywhere, rush and go to make Ramzan a month of disasters for the infidels.”