ISIS has just sent out a terrifying newsletter to their followers making it clear that they plan to take full advantage of the fact that the world is currently vulnerable due to the coronavirus pandemic.

An editorial written in the latest al-Naba newsletter calls on followers of the terrorist groups to continue to carry out acts of terror as the virus spread, even providing a list of directives to carry out during the pandemic, according to Daily Mail. The ISIS newsletter also said that coronavirus is a punishment for non-Muslims, so no mercy should be shown to them.

The list did include some typical coronavirus directives, including “stay away from sick people,” “wash your hands before eating” and “avoid travel to affected areas,” but it also directed readers to “put your faith in God and seek refuge in him.”

This comes after the International Crisis Group sent out a warning that the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the global solidarity that is crucial to fighting radical extremist terrorists.

“It is almost certainly correct that COVID-19 will handicap domestic security efforts and international counter-ISIS cooperation, allowing the jihadists to better prepare spectacular terror attacks,” the group said.

Though it is too early to know if terrorist are taking advantage of coronavirus to carry out attacks already, it should be noted that Islamic extremists launched their deadliest assault yet in late March against the Chad military, which is integral in fighting ISIS in Africa.

Last month, Secretary-General of the UN António Guterres issued a desperate plea to the world to stop any violence as we all try to fight coronavirus.

“I am calling for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world. It is is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives,” he said. “Let us take inspiration from coalitions and dialogue slowly taking shape among rival parties to enable joint approaches to COVID-19. But we need much more. End the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging out world. It starts by stopping the fighting everywhere. Now.”

Experts have said that terrorist groups are still trying to understand the coronavirus and how best to respond to it. Back in March, the Al-Qaida-linked group Al-Shabab held a rare five day meeting in which leaders discussed COVID-19, and it is believed that other terrorist groups are holding similar meetings.

All we can do is hope that terrorists aren’t able to figure out a way to use this pandemic to further their agendas.