Italians mock ISIS threats of ‘conquering’ Rome on Twitter
nstead of panic and fright, Italians responded mocking the militant group using the hashtag extremists created
Social media users aligned with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) threatened on Twitter they would soon “conquer” Italy’s capital, Rome, a warning that did not sit well with Italian Twitter users.
Instead of panic and fright, Italians responded mocking the militant group using the hashtag #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome - the same one that radicals created to send their threats.
The threat comes after the release of a video, reportedly shot in Libya, showing the beheading of 21 Christian Egyptian workers in which a masked militant said “Today we are south of Rome. We will conquer Rome with Allah’s permission.”
To the militants’ dismay, the Romans and others did not take the threat very seriously.
One user posted: “#We_Are_Coming_O_Rome I'll alert the Gladiator!” in reference to a 2000 film starring Australian actor Russell Crowe.
#We_Are_Coming_O_Rome I'll alert the Gladiator! pic.twitter.com/mI7JaSNPBp
— Cathy Crawley (@Cathy_Crawley) February 21, 2015
Others depicted what would Roman soldiers’ response be to the threat.
ISIS announces "#We_Are_Coming_O_Rome" ... Twitter responds with hilarity. pic.twitter.com/4ldFz5IMrT
— RGF3 Esq. (@Iron_Light) February 21, 2015
Rome awaits you at the Colosseum.
#We_Are_Coming_O_Rome pic.twitter.com/RqNCsKDpGu
— Alan Smithee (@Negation2010) February 22, 2015
One user warned the group of one the most challenging tourist sights in Italy.
Enjoy the view from the top of St Peter's, but beware, it's a looooong way up and steep! #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome pic.twitter.com/41ZRpCmvuC
— Kathryn Warner (@RoyneAlianore) February 22, 2015
Users praised how the threat has been received by the Italians, lauding their sense of humor.
The #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome Hashtag had me in stitches. Threat responded to with humour. Go Italians. Abbott's fear campaign would fail there
— Serf Life Saver (@OccupiedOutback) February 22, 2015
#We_Are_Coming_O_Rome bring lots of cash it looks like you need new fashions and we have the best! That look is so 7th century ...
— An Italian (@Be_Italian_) February 21, 2015
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