Jihadists feared to have Wookie laser weapons

Security sources are warning that Islamic terrorists may have gained access to high-tech laser weapons previously thought to exist only in a galaxy far, far away.

UK intelligence experts have been examining images posted online of fugitive French terror suspect Hayat Boumeddiene wielding what appears to be a bowcaster: a crossbow-like gun that fires a metal bolt enveloped in energy. It is the weapon of choice of Wookies, a species of tall, hairy humanoids from the planet Kashyyyk whose name means “the People of the Trees.”

Security analysts say that the weapon could penetrate any body armor currently in use by Western security forces.

“This could be a game changer,” said British Star Wars enthusiast Colin Stackpoole.  “If terrorists have got hold of bow casters, then they could also have gained access to high-energy blaster rifles and laser cannons.”

Stackpole added that terrorists from groups such as ISIS could potentially use lightsabers to behead hostages and prisoners of war.

According to Professor Ryan Hoth, a specialist on Islamic extremism at the Royal Institute of Strategic Studies in London, the images also suggest that jihadists may be trying to disguise themselves as space ninjas.