ISIL Opens Two English-Language Schools in Raqqa

Ekaterina Blinova — ISIL has reportedly launched its first two English-language schools in Raqqa, Syria, for foreign fighters' children.

"By the grace of Allah we have opened schools for English speaking children. The boys school is called Abu Mus'ab Zarqawi School (formally known as Al Qadhim school) and the girls school is called Aisha School and is located next door," a jihadi flier said posted on Twitter on February 22.

The announcement provided further details about the learning plan and was addressed both to the would-be students (from the age of six to 14) and teachers of the new school. It revealed that lessons would be held from 9 am to 12 pm every day, except Thursday and Friday, "which are the days off."

According to the flier the lessons taught in English language will include various religious studies as well as "jihadiyyah," maths and English. "The lessons taught in Arabic are Quran and Arabic Language," the announcement stated. At the bottom of the page there was a scheme demonstrating where the new classes would take place.

Remarkably, the flier also contained contact details of a person named "Abu Muhammad," specifically his phone number, and encouraged the readers to ask him any questions about the new schools.

Experts have expressed their concerns regarding information circulating on social media, explaining that the Islamic State is seeking to attract more foreign fighters by opening the English-language schools in Raqqa, the terrorists' main stronghold.

The move is seen as a new attempt by ISIL to establish a so-called caliphate. Experts noted that tens of thousands of foreigners, some with their families, have already fled to ISIL-controlled territories in Syria and Iraq.