Extremist group exploits social media for information warfare

KABUL -- Al-Qaeda and its affiliates are increasingly using social media to wage an information war that attempts to erode trust in governments, inflame divisions and destabilize fragile societies, analysts told Salaam Times.

From Afghanistan and Somalia to Yemen and the Sahel region, extremist networks have adopted a strategy of exploiting existing grievances such as ethnic rivalries, political dissatisfaction and economic struggles to manipulate public opinion.

By amplifying fear and confusion, they position themselves as defenders of ordinary people, the analysts said.

Asif Taheri, an international affairs analyst based in Ankara, described the group's approach as deliberate and insidious.

"By spreading fake news and fabricated narratives, al-Qaeda and its affiliates inflame public opinion in conflict-affected societies," he told Salaam Times.

Through the exploitation of hardships and the use of digital tools, he added, they seek to weaken morale and unity in crisis-hit communities.

According to Taheri, the result is a fractured social fabric where mistrust and division create fertile ground for extremist influence.

Digital frontlines

The manipulation of information is no less dangerous than traditional forms of violence, the analysts said.

Extremist groups are increasingly exploiting popular platforms such as Telegram and TikTok to reach particularly young audiences who may not recognize propaganda in entertaining forms.

To evade bans, these groups often hide symbols or manipulate video and audio features, said Kabul-based international relations analyst Mukhtar Musawi.

"The groups spread their extremist content through humor, memes, music, short videos and online games in ways that seem normal and entertaining," Musawi explained.

"If young people are influenced by this content, they may adopt violent beliefs and behaviors and find themselves drawn into extremism," he added.

He stressed that education and open dialogue are essential to help youth recognize and reject such narratives.

The internet has also provided extremist groups with a global stage to distort realities and undermine social cohesion, according to Kabul-based political expert Samir Rezayee.

He noted that they exaggerate government failures, highlight ethnic or religious conflicts and magnify violence to sow distrust and hostility.

The aim, he said, is to push people further from their governments while extremists present themselves as credible alternatives.

Naqibullah Mohseni, a former professor at Balkh University, also warned of extremist groups' ability to directly target vulnerable individuals through social media platforms.

"The platforms are used not only for recruiting youth but also for coordination and resource gathering," Mohseni said.

"As a result, the online space has become one of the main infrastructures for extremist activities," he cautioned.