Counter Terrorism Perspectives: CTP

MLM: "Islamic State Obituary Profiles the Life of Slain Maldivan Jihadist Ahmad Nishwan"

ANIMESH ROUL
September 12, 2020
Monitor

In early May 2020, the pro-Islamic State (IS) media center Haqqu released a documentary on the life of the slain Maldivian jihadist Ahmad Nishwan. The biographical sketch on Nishwan, which is approximately 33-minutes-long, comes amid IS’ increased outreach efforts to Maldivians. Islamic State is using its dedicated Divehi-language media group, Haqqu (meaning “truth”), and other pro-IS platforms, such as the al-Qitaal media center, to urge Maldivians to join the militant group, stage attacks in the country, and campaign for the release of Maldivian war widows and children from refugee camps controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in al-Hol, Syria.

The Divehi-language biographical account, titled “True in their words and action,” was peppered with Arabic chants and narration for greater impact within the targeted country and the wider Arabic-influenced regions of South Asia. 

For Complete Article (Subscription), Read, "Islamic State Obituary Profiles the Life of Slain Maldivan Jihadist Ahmad Nishwan", Militant Leadership Monitor (Jamestown Foundation),  VOL. XI (8), August 2020.