RNA - Local sources said that the extremist group is trying to restrict internet access “for security reasons”.
According to the ISIS decision, people will only be allowed to use the internet in public cafes, where the group can closely monitor communications and online behavior of internet users in Raqqa.
The group required the removal of all wifi connections outside internet cafes.
“The decision includes civilians as well as militants of Daesh (ISIS),” a Syrian activist in Raqqa said.
The extremist group is also trying to cut communications between its foreign militants and their families abroad for fear of them trying to return home.
Syrian medial activists in Raqqa have been using private internet connection to share information about miseries of civilians under the rule of ISIS militants.
According to activists, the new decision of blocking private internet in Raqqa will prevent communicating information about the situations in the city that has been under the group’s control for nearly two years.
“Accessing internet in cafes is extremely dangerous for our activities. We can be easily monitored and captured if we try to share any anti-IS information through social media. The group observes all devices in internet cafes in Raqqa,” a media activist said on the condition of anonymity for security concerns.
“The terrorist group is concerned about the communications of local activists in Raqqa with the outside world. ISIS wants all its violations to go unnoticed. They are afraid of the information distributed by activists
online,” said Issa Malla Ali, a Syrian civil rights activist.
“Moreover, the recent wave of dissidence in the ranks of the group has raised its concerns. Several foreign fighters of ISIS have left Syria after becoming aware of the bitter life under war conditions. They’ve been misled by this terrorist group,” Ali said. “Communicating online with people abroad has apparently helped them escaping the war-torn country.”
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