Propaganda outlets linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have been quick to associate the group with the recent terror attacks in Orlando and Paris. But the claims seem opportunistic -- and are maybe a sign of weakness rather than strength. The evidence so far suggests that in both cases the attackers had little if any connection with the group, even if they pledged allegiance to its leader, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.

Al-Bayan, an ISIS online radio station, described Orlando gunman Omar Mateen as "one of the soldiers of the caliphate in America." A'maq, a propaganda outlet close to ISIS, said of Monday's attack by Larossi Abballa in France: "Islamic State fighter kills deputy chief of the police station in the city of Les Mureaux."

Abballa recorded a video pledging allegiance to Baghdadi at some point before or during his attack. The video was released by A'maq Tuesday, but it's unclear when it was recorded.

Neither claim indicated any prior association between ISIS and either attacker. FBI Director James Comey said Mateen had made comments supporting several Islamist movements and individuals, which "adds a little bit to the confusion about his motives." Comey added: "So far we see no indication that this was a plot directed from outside the United States and we see no evidence he was part of any kind of network."