Scouting on Whatsapp, Twitter: Terror outfits look for recruits online

From placement agencies and cyber cafes to social networking sites, the recruitment techniques used by terror outfits for luring foot soldiers have seen a remarkable transformation in the last ten years. Multi-platform messaging applications and social networking platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter have become the favourite hunting grounds of terror operatives.

“This trend was revealed after the arrest of several IS modules from different parts of the state and country. Terror operatives are influencing youngsters in the name of religion and recruiting them to carry out nefarious activities,” said a UP anti terror squad (ATS) official.

The official said that Mohd Aleem (23), the IS suspect arrested from the city’s Indira Nagar area on Friday, was also recruited through a social networking site. “IS modules, still out of reach of intelligence and security agencies, are trying to expand their base in the state, especially west UP, using the same method,” he said.

The officer added UP was a prime target for recruitment. A recent central intelligence agency alert said: “IS through its new recruits and fugitive men is all set to strike in the near future.”

The official warned the recruitment process would be expedited since many members had been arrested. The officer also discussed how terror operatives earlier used to approach youngsters under the guise of placement agencies, career consultancies and cyber cafes.