Leaders of the so-called Islamic State told their underlings to stop using messaging apps so coalition planes can no longer bomb them.
ISIS members frequently use apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to communicate across the globe. They are utilized for everything from troop movements in Iraq and Syria to planning attacks in Europe. Despite their utility, ISIS leaders are convinced the apps are being tracked by Operation Inherent Resolve forces.
“If you get onto the programs like WhatsApp and Telegram or others from Mosul, and get in touch with a person being tracked, the crusaders will start thinking about you … assessing your importance and identifying the locations of the (Islamic State) centers by following you,” said an article in Al-Naba, the ISIS weekly newspaper.
Al-Naba directed ISIS followers to turn off phones in order to prevent U.S. forces from using their signals to pinpoint strikes on ISIS assets.
“Switch off your phone after you finish your communication and beware of the greatest disobedience of all – switching it on when your are in one of the offices,” said the article. “As long as it has power, the phone is spying on you.”
ISIS has cracked down severely on all communication coming in and out of the caliphate, particularly in its capital of Raqqa and Mosul. The terrorist group confiscated satellite dishes and SIM cards before coalition forces began their assault on Mosul, executing those who defied the ruling.
It is unclear whether or not Operation Inherent Resolve forces are actually tracking terrorist’s phones to engage in air strikes, but the Pentagon has acknowledged that it has deployed advanced cyber weapons against the terror group.
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