Nice Truck Attack Explained in 12 Tweets by ISIS Commentators

A truck rammed into a crowd of people celebrating Bastille Day, killing at least 80 and injuring over a 100 people.

At least 84 people have been killed and 100 injured in the southern French town of Nice when a truck ran into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day on Thursday night.

The driver, who drove at 50 kilometres per hour for over 100 metres along the famed Promenade des Anglais seafront before hitting the mass of spectators, was shot dead. Officials said weapons and grenades were found inside the 25-tonne, unmarked articulated truck.

Rukmini Callimachi, a correspondent for The New York Times who focuses on Al-Qaeda and ISIS activities, and Amarnath Amarasingam, a doctoral candidate of Religious Studies in Canada, decoded the attack in a series of tweets.

3. Today is Bastille Day and thousands of people had gathered to watch the fireworks. Witnesses say the car rammed through, not stopping

— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) July 14, 2016

4. A graphic and difficult-to-watch video uploaded by ppl who say they are at the scene shows bodies splayed out over long stretch of road

— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) July 14, 2016

(2) Truck full of weapons, especially in France, means they were likely smuggled in, which also means he likely wasn't working alone. #Nice

— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) July 15, 2016

Pres. Hollande: State of Emergency will be extended for 3 more months. We will increase action in Syria and Iraq. #Nice

— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) July 15, 2016

Interesting that he's vowing to increase action in Iraq and Syria before any claims have been made https://t.co/94eRju1HcJ

— Anج (@Angieslyst) July 15, 2016

Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich on FoxNews: "We should..test every person here who is Muslim...if they believe in shariah they should be deported."

— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) July 15, 2016

Death toll in Nice attack rises to 80 killed, French Interior Minister says, with 18 critically injured. Just crazy. #Nice #NiceAttack

— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) July 15, 2016

13. French President Francois Hollande has just addressed the nation. Says that the "terrorist character" of Nice tragedy "cannot be denied"

— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) July 15, 2016

15. Al-Qaeda proposed using cars as weapon in Inspire magazine. And ISIS spokesman Muhammad al-Adnani did so in speeches going back to 2014

— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) July 15, 2016

17. Here is quote as translated by @siteintelgroup, "If you're not able to find an IED or a bullet ... run him over" pic.twitter.com/Wt0oUmDfUf

— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) July 15, 2016

19. Area where tonight's killings occurred has also been 1 of the original crucibles of jihad in France. Just 20miles away is city of Cannes

— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) July 15, 2016

Also Read:
Nice Attack Live: 84 Dead, France Extends State of Emergency