Islamic State calls for attacks on the West during Ramadan

"And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality."
~Barack Obama, June 4, 2009

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A new message purporting to come from the spokesman of Islamic State calls on followers to launch attacks on the United States and Europe during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins in early June.

"Ramadan, the month of conquest. Get prepared, be ready ... so that you make it a month of calamity on the non-believers anywhere," said the message, purporting to be from Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, suggesting attacks on military and civilian targets.

The audio clip was distributed on Saturday by Twitter accounts that usually publish Islamic State statements. Its authenticity could not be independently verified.