The Australian Teen At The Forefront Of ISIS

On the same day that Australia agreed to send in 200 ground troops to join the fight against ISIS in Iraq, a video appeared online starring one of its citizens — who had a very different mission. An ISIS propaganda video featuring an Australian teen speaking for the terror group was posted to YouTube on Monday night. Like previous ISIS videos, this one addresses the West at large, but uses the teen to put special emphasis on Australia. The footage marks the first time Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is singled out and threatened, and it also underscores Australia's heavy involvement in the international coalition against ISIS.

In the video, which has since been removed from YouTube, 17-year-old Abdullah Elmir is dressed in military gear, holding a rifle, and surrounded by other ISIS members. The spotlight is on him, however, as he delivers a haunting message to Western leaders, vowing that ISIS will fight until its black flag was flying all over the world. But as an Australian, his presence is meant to appeal to his fellow Aussies.

This message I deliver to you, the people of America. I deliver this message to you, the people of Britain. And I deliver this message to you, especially, the people of Australia.

Appointing the 17-year-old Australian to speak on behalf of ISIS is a clear attempt to attract other young and impressionable teens like him, who might be enticed by the seemingly powerful position Elmir holds. The video allows him to make sweeping threats and deliver a direct message to some of the world's most powerful leaders. But how much of it is just for show, and is it really worth it? Last month, Prime Minister Abbott issued a statement that any returning Australian fighters will face severe punishment as his government beefed up its anti-terrorism laws.

A Message to the World

In the same vein as previous ISIS videos, Elmir makes it clear that the group remains strong and undaunted by the coalition's attacks.

And I say this about your coalition. You threaten us with this coalition of countries. Bring every nation that you wish to us. Bring every nation that you want to come and fight us. It means nothing to us, whether it's 50 nations or 50,000 nations, it means nothing to us. Bring your planes, bring everything you want to us, because it will not harm us. Why? Because we have Allah.

His Message to Prime Minister Abbott and Other Leaders

The teen specifically targets Australian Prime Minister Abbott, but also makes mention of Britain and the U.S.

To the leaders, to Obama, to Tony Abbott, I say this: These weapons that we have, these soldiers, we will not stop fighting, we will not put down our weapons, until we reach your lands, until we take the head of every tyrant, and until the black flag is flying high in every single land, until we put the black flag on top of Buckingham Palace, until we put the black flag on top of the White House.

Who Is Abdullah Elmir?

Originally from the Bankstown suburb of Sydney, Elmir told his family that he was going on a fishing trip in June, disappearing with another teenage Australian boy. It is believed that the two entered Turkey and then crossed the border into Syria to join the fight. His friends and family described him as a "normal teenager" who liked video games and playing with the family cat. The other boy has since returned to Australia.

What Is Australia's Involvement So Far?

Australia sent in eight F-18 fighter jets to the coalition, and since the beginning of October, Australian aircraft have been flying in support of the U.S. and other allies, mostly in refueling and surveillance roles. The country is now upping its commitment by sending in 200 special forces troops to assist, train, and advise Iraqi security forces.

Images: Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Getty Images (2)