There’s new evidence that the Muslim fundamentalist terrorist group Islamic State (IS) is extending its influence beyond its territory that straddles the border between Iraq and Syria.  Terrorist groups in northern Africa are now switching their alliances to IS.

As of today, Egypt’s deadliest militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis announced in social media that it is pledging its allegiance to Islamic State.  That group on the Sinai Peninsula has killed scores of policemen and soldiers since the Egyptian army ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July last year.

“We announce our pledge of allegiance to the caliph Ibrahim Ibn Awad.. to listen and obey,” the statement said, referring to Islamic State’s self-proclaimed Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The fate of Baghdadi is not clear.  The US targeted a convoy of IS leaders near Mosul, Iraq for a massive airstrike over the weekend.  It’s been reported but not confirmed that Baghdadi was seriously injured.  Other reports say a close associate of Baghdadi’s was killed, a man named Auf Abdulrahman Elefery but who went by the code name Abu Suja.  Officials say it’ll take several days to confirm Baghdadi’s fate.

In Libya, fundamentalist militants in control of the Mediterranean coastal city Darna swore allegiance to IS, making it the first town outside Iraq and Syria to join the “caliphate”.  Already, Sharia Law courts ordered public executions, floggings and beatings, and enforced segregation of male and female students.