How Is the Islamic State Transforming Women into Tools of Child Radicalization?

New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) A concerning evolution in recruitment tactics has emerged from the Islamic State, focusing increasingly on women and children. Recent investigations by security agencies reveal that the primary audience for the Islamic State recruiters is indeed women and children.

Initially, women were primarily recruited for the purpose of becoming sex slaves within the organization, often transported to locations such as Iraq, Syria, or later, Afghanistan. However, the current roles of women have transformed significantly, with much of the activity now centered in Afghanistan, where the Islamic State has set up its Khorasan Province. The situation in Kerala serves as a poignant illustration of how women from India have been lured into the Islamic State.

An official has stated that the Islamic State in Afghanistan aims to create a sustainable society.

Indian intelligence agencies have observed that numerous online posts and propaganda materials on encrypted messaging platforms are actively calling for women to join the group. Additionally, men are being advised to entice women and travel with them to Afghanistan.

In light of significant losses, the organization is concentrating its efforts on the Islamic State Khorasan Province. The Islamic State faced substantial setbacks when it first entered Afghanistan due to confrontations with US forces and the Taliban. Following the US withdrawal, it has engaged in intense conflict with the Taliban. However, with backing from the ISI, it has managed to reclaim some territory.

The Islamic State envisions a prolonged presence in Afghanistan and seeks to establish a Caliphate, a goal it could not achieve in Syria and Iraq.

To ensure the success of its plans, the group is making concerted efforts to recruit women and children en masse.

A document from the Islamic State, titled “Teachers' Guide for Physical Preparation of Children”, elaborates on this initiative. The group has instructed its recruiters to enlist children and transport them to Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, the intention is to indoctrinate the children through the efforts of the women. Once indoctrinated, these children will undergo training from a young age, although they will not be dispatched to combat immediately.

The strategy involves lengthy training periods to ensure they are well-prepared for combat. This approach also provides the Islamic State with a reservoir of manpower to replenish its ranks after losses in battle.

The individual in charge of this recruitment initiative for women and children is known as Rabiya, the widow of Shafi Arman, a former member of the Indian Mujahideen who later joined the Islamic State.

After his demise, she began indoctrinating her son, expressing her desire for him to emulate his father. She also presented this concept to the leadership, resulting in the creation of a manual.

Intelligence agencies have intercepted transcripts indicating that a large number of women should be recruited to lead the radicalization of children. The initial phase would focus on indoctrination, followed by the commencement of a training program once the brainwashing is complete.

Rabiya has been overseeing this initiative, and agencies report that she has been particularly active in recent months.

During one recruitment event, children were shown a video titled “Mai Haji Ban Jung.” This video serves as a tribute to Armar and several others who perished fighting for the Islamic State.

Moreover, videos pertaining to the Mumbai 26/11 attack and the destruction of the Babri Masjid are frequently employed to indoctrinate both children and women.