Militants and accomplices of the Islamic State (ISIL, or Daesh in Arabic) extremist group use European Internet service providers to disseminate their propaganda and such European operators know the coordinates of these users, who are reportedly based in Syria and Iraq, German media reported Friday.
The militant group is known for recruiting people from all over the world via social networks.
The publication cites documents that show that at least several hundred sets of equipment, including satellite dishes and modems for receiving and transmitting signals, are installed in Daesh-occupied territories. These devices are connected to satellite installations operations by European firms, including British Avanti Communications and French Eutelsat.
"Spiegel Online received 2014 and 2015 GPS coordinates, and this data shows that the facilities are precisely in Daesh-controlled areas, many are stationed in the Syrian city of Aleppo, that was only partially seized by the militants. Other locations are in the Daesh capital of Raqqah, Al Bab, Deir ez Zor, and along the Euphrates to Iraq…," the article reads.
According to the media outlet, the technology and the Internet access are sold through a network company-distributors. The equipment is delivered via Turkey.
Daesh group is outlawed in Russia.
related report
Daesh Militias Surf Internet Using European Satellite Communications System
European satellite operators – probably unintentionally – give terrorists an opportunity to upload propaganda, exchange information and possibly even prepare terrorist attacks, German magazine Spiegel Online reported.
Islamic State militants (also known as ISIL or Daesh militants) located in Syria and Iraq are gaining access to the Internet using opportunities offered by European satellite operators, Spiegel online wrote.
The communication is reported to be carried out via satellites of European companies Avanti Communications headquartered in the UK and Eutelsat in France.
According to the magazine, there are thousands of devices in Syria and Iraq, which enable terrorists to use the satellite Internet. Theoretically, everyone who wants to get online can do so only by using the satellite technology, as the telecommunications infrastructure in the country is destroyed.
However, for ordinary people living in the cities captured by Daesh militants it is almost impossible. ISIL is controlling Internet access and prohibits private individuals from buying the required devices. Only members of the terrorist group have the right to use the Internet, others are being threatened with severe punishment.
As reported by the magazine, the devices are being exported to Syria through Turkey. It remains unclear whether European companies know about this fact or not.
Most devices are reportedly located in areas controlled by the militias. They create an opportunity for Daesh terrorists to spread their propaganda, conduct online recruiting and even prepare terrorist attacks.
