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Telegram has removed “Iclaam,” a channel used by the Islamic State (ISIS) to spread propaganda, marking a major step in efforts to curb extremist influence on social media. This channel, which frequently shared battlefield reports and ideological messages, was a key tool for ISIS operatives, especially in Somalia’s Puntland region. The removal aligns with global efforts to dismantle the digital networks of terrorist organizations that have increasingly relied on encrypted platforms like Telegram to recruit and spread their messages.
It remains unclear whether the Somali federal government played a direct role in the takedown, but authorities in Mogadishu have previously shut down numerous websites and online forums linked to Al-Shabaab. Despite the closure of “Iclaam,” ISIS continues to maintain an online presence through Taageere Radio Hijratayn, a media outlet that operates on Facebook. This platform continues to broadcast ISIS-aligned content, particularly covering its clashes with Puntland security forces in the Calmiskaad Mountains.
Puntland has intensified its crackdown on ISIS activities, issuing strong warnings against individuals or organizations that provide material or ideological support to the group. Authorities have arrested and sentenced both Somali diaspora members and foreign nationals accused of endorsing ISIS propaganda online. Courts in Puntland have handed down prison sentences in an effort to deter digital support for extremist organizations.
The fight against ISIS in Puntland has centered on the mountainous regions, where the group has attempted to establish a foothold. Security forces have launched periodic offensives to prevent ISIS militants from expanding their influence. The Somali branch of ISIS remains significantly smaller than Al-Shabaab but continues to pose a serious threat, particularly in Puntland, where it has carried out assassinations and attacks on government officials.
The use of encrypted messaging apps like Telegram has allowed ISIS to reach global audiences, recruit fighters, and coordinate attacks. Social media platforms have struggled to keep up with the ever-evolving methods used by extremist groups to evade detection. The takedown of “Iclaam” is part of broader efforts by tech companies and governments to counter online radicalization and disrupt terrorist networks. However, past crackdowns have shown that extremist groups often reemerge on alternative platforms, making it a continuous battle.
The Somali government has been actively working with international partners to curb the spread of extremist ideologies online. While progress has been made in shutting down some digital outlets, the persistence of groups like ISIS and Al-Shabaab highlights the challenges faced in the fight against terrorism. Security analysts warn that online propaganda remains a powerful tool for recruitment and radicalization, particularly among young people who may be vulnerable to extremist narratives.
As Puntland continues its efforts to suppress ISIS activities, authorities remain on high alert for potential retaliatory attacks. In recent years, Puntland’s security forces have intensified their operations in the Calmiskaad Mountains, targeting key ISIS strongholds. The region remains a critical battleground, with ongoing clashes between militants and government forces.
The takedown of “Iclaam” is a significant victory in the fight against online extremism, but it is just one step in a larger battle. The persistence of ISIS in Somalia underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between governments, tech companies, and international security agencies. As digital platforms play an increasingly central role in modern warfare, efforts to combat extremist propaganda must remain a top priority.