Did ISIS Attack Manila? Islamic State Accused Of Shooting, Bombing Resorts World Hotel By Twitter Users

Some Twitter users accused Islamic State Group, also known as ISIS, for attacking a resort and casino complex in Manila. The hotel was on lockdown after there were reports of gunfire and explosions, Al Jazeera reported Thursday. At the time this article was published, ISIS did not take responsibility for the assault.

Pictures of videos of the incident soon went viral on social media. In some of the images, emergency personnel could be seen administering help to victims.

READ: ISIS In Philippines: How Islamic State Group Is Expanding Its Base In Southeast Asia

The attackers were apparently wearing black shirts and masks, witnesses told local media, as per Al Jazeera.

Resorts World Manila quickly added a statement to their official Facebook page. It read: “Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men. The Company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe. We ask for your prayers during these difficult times.”

The post quickly garnered nearly 2,000 shares.

They also issued a slightly different statement on Twitter. “Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men,” the post said. “The Company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe. We ask for your prayers during these difficult times.”

One photo, which went viral, shows a hotel guest on his hands and knees. He has a bottle of water in front of him and looks like he is covered in soot.

It’s unknown how many people were injured or killed. One victim reportedly suffered “severe gunshot wounds,” according to the Manila Standard.

President Donald Trump did not immediately issue a statement, however, he was informed about the attack. Press Secretary Sean Spicer took to Twitter to explain. “@POTUS is aware of the situation in Manila and being provided updates by his national security team,” he tweeted Thursday.

One of the reasons ISIS was likely blamed for the attack is because they have been expanding their base in the Philippines. Over the weekend, 19 civilians were killed by the militant group in Marawi, a southern Philippine city. There has been a total of at least 85 deaths related to ISIS, reports claimed.

ISIS has the potential to surge in Southeast Asia if they lose their footing in the Middle East. “ISIS has publicly accepted pledges from various groups in the Philippines and has called on followers in Southeast Asia to go to the Philippines if they cannot travel to Syria,” an American intelligence official told the Washington Times Sunday.

The group “harbors global ambitions and seeks to expand its influence in Southeast Asia by cultivating a network of adherents and supporters,” the official said adding “As it has done in its main battle space of Iraq and Syria, ISIS seeks to exploit ungoverned space.”

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not yet issue a statement.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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