Why was French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo targeted?

Satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has been in Al-Qaeda hitlist for quite a while. More specifically, cartoonist Charb working for the magazine has been named as one of the 13 most wanted persons in the list made by the terrorist organisation.

Charb invited ire of the Islamist fundamentalists for drawing a cartoon of Prophet Mohammad in 2006. There was already a terror threat against the magazine and hence it had elaborate security arrangements. But according to police, terrorists came with an intention to kill and virtually butchered people inside the office. Police has confirmed that the ghastly attack is almost certainly the handiwork of Islamic terrorists. 

According to journalist Kim Wilsher,today was press day in the magazine and hence all important people were present. The terrorists targeting the office were probably already privy to this information. 

Charlie Hebdo is known for its stridently non-conformist take about things.  According to its editor, Charb ( Stephane Charbonnier) the magazine's editorial viewpoint reflects "all components of left wing pluralism, and even abstainers". From 2006, they have attracted trouble by repeatedly putting irreverent spins to religious sermons. 

Moments before Charlie Hebdo’s offices were attacked, the magazine’s Twitter handle published a cartoon wishing a Happy New Year “and particularly good health” to  Islamic State (Isis) chief. 

Its cover this week features Michel Houellebecq’s provocative new novel, Submission, which satirises France under a Muslim president.