Insights

Hizb ut-Tahrir declare war with the West

An Islamic extremist group in Australia has declared that there will be a war between Islam and the West. A spokesman for Hizb ut-Tahrir, a group which wants a global Islamic caliphate based on Sharia law, has urged Muslims to take up arms against Western civilisation. Members of the group have repeatedly refused to condemn ISIS.

The group is active in dozens of countries - despite being banned in some of them - and began expanding in Asia several years ago. Hizbut wants to unite all Muslim countries in a globe-spanning bloc ruled by strict Shariah law. The Islamic group has a record of targeting university students and professionals, working within countries to try to persuade people to overthrow their secular governments. The group has recently been banned in Indonesia, after organising several mass blasphemy protests in Jakarta last year.

Following several attacks in Australia, concrete barriers are being installed in central Sydney. The barriers come after fears of further vehicle ramming attacks, similar to those which have recently taken place in Europe.

Those operating or residing in Australia are advised to be aware of the threat and presence of terrorism and of extreme lines of thought amongst some groups. The government has previously warned of the potential for Islamic extremists to return home. Take care when visiting densely populated tourist areas. Report any suspicious packages, behaviour or activity to the authorities and remain vigilant.