The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a terror threat bulletin on November 10, warning of uptick in online activity by Al- Qaeda- and ISIS-linked terrorist groups.
According to the DHS, the terrorist groups are ramping up online activity in an effort aimed to inspire their members and followers to perpetrate attacks on the U.S. as well target on all its establishments world-over besides attacks on the country’s allies.
Specifically, its notable, after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, violent extremist media branches of Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and as-Sham (ISIS), have celebrated perceived victories over the United States and subsequently encouraged the use of violence by their members, followers and supporters to further their objectives.
The two-jihadist groups and their individual outlets have notably been able to maintain a robust online presence in an attempt to inspire their followers/members to individually take part in violent activity.
The type of content widely promoted by the jihadist groups now ranges from videos to online magazines. DHS note that the videos will very often contain very graphic and violent content, a technique used for years now by the Islamic State and the Al Qaeda-related media operations, when seeking to inspire acts of violence.
DHS further warns that its very clear that the theme promoted by media operations associated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS is aimed at inspiring terrorist operatives to conduct attacks in groups or even lone-wolves kind of attacks against the West and its allies.
DHS officials also see an uptick in publications by online magazines encouraging U.S.-based actors and providing advice on different methods of attack. “In some cases, posts even provide explanations on types of tactics used” to stage an attack, the official added.
For example, in Somalia, the home-base of the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab, the terrorist group has maintained active online presence from where jihadist operations are being promoted besides the platforms are fertile grounds for recruitment. Al-Shabaab has a vibrant propaganda media outlet including Al-Kataib Media and Radio Andalus from where they promote their perceived successful operations, especially against the government, local and foreign troops.
Al-Shabaab style of claiming responsibility of attacks and graphic promotion of operations and sharing of terror videos is steadily by replicated by several other jihadist groups. DHS has advised that ideologically motivated domestic extremists will continue to derive inspiration from and obtain operational guidance, including regarding the use of improvised explosive devices and small arms, through the consumption of information shared in online forums.
The advisory goes on to say violent extremists could use encrypted messaging to try to obscure operational indicators that provide specific warning of a pending act of violence.
The agency also urged communities to be cautious when they get together for large gatherings ahead of the holiday season, though it noted there have been no credible or imminent threats identified.
