Overwhelming ISIL Social Media Activity Challenging for US Investigators

© Sputnik / Alexander Kryazhev / Go to the mediabankAccording to the report, over 1.5 billion people around the world use social media, and participate in platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
According to the report, over 1.5 billion people around the world use social media, and participate in platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The US investigators are overwhelmed by US-based pro-Islamic State social media activity, with information suggesting that US military bases could be targeted in the near future, a US security agency bulletin obtained by Fox News said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the document from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and National Counterterrorism Center, the "reach and popularity" of social media networks made it easier for US-based extremists to get in touch with organizations abroad, which could "potentially direct" them. The Islamic State’s use of media is "unprecedented," the report said.

© East News / IsopixSocial media
Social media - Sputnik International
Social media

The bulletin also stated that there is a heightened threat of ISIL attacks during holidays and military events. There is no "credible threat" right now, but the US agencies are "aware of recent information suggesting US military bases, locations, and events could be targeted in the near-term."

"The large number of social media postings by US-based ISIL [Islamic State] supporters is challenging for investigators in differentiating those supporters focused only on promoting pro-ISIL rhetoric, which may be protected speech, vice [versus] detecting those prepared to engage in violence on the group's behalf," the bulletin said.

Would-be martyrs joining the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) from around the world are complaining of favoritism, as senior militants tap friends and family for the honor of blowing themselves up in the name of jihad. - Sputnik International
ISIL: Not an Equal-Opportunity Employer for Suicide Bombers

Known to target potential members through media including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Tumblr, the Islamic State militants have attracted thousands of young foreign supporters.

According to the US National Counterterrorism Center, at least 20,000 foreign fighters have joined the ISIL.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала