By Al-Fassel | 2024-11-26

The recent arrests of two "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) supporters, in the US cities of Houston and New York, shows the extremist group has not been able to maintain a disciplined social media presence, observers say.

The defendants in both cases had engaged in extensive online communications via social media and messaging apps, which ultimately led to their apprehension and thwarted their plans, they say.

A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged November 21 in New York for his alleged involvement in attempting to provide material support to ISIS and distributing instructional information regarding the making of explosives.

Court documents reveal Erald Alimehmeti created and used numerous online accounts on encrypted messaging applications and social media to communicate with others about planning and training for attacks on behalf of ISIS.

The dual-national US-Albanian had expressed interest in sniper-style attacks, referencing an "op" for which he sought the participation of confidential sources, the US Department of Justice said in a November 22 release.

Alimehmeti also requested what he described as "tactical" equipment and "gear" for "training" and "operations" in support of ISIS, it said.

This included particular models of vests capable of holding "ballistic plates," "magazine pouches," and "knives," and described modifications he intended to make to his "AKM," an apparent reference to an assault rifle, it added.

Alimehmeti, who faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, regularly posted pro-ISIS propaganda online, praising specific ISIS leaders and promoting ISIS-issued publications and videos.

Separately, US authorities arrested 28-year-old Anas Said in the southern city of Houston on November 8, charging him with creating propaganda in support of ISIS, according to the US Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas.

Said, who was indicted November 14, faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine if convicted by a US court.

According to court documents, multiple social media accounts linked to Said contained messages and posts that allegedly revealed he supported ISIS and the violent attacks carried out in its name, the attorney's office said.

Law enforcement searched Said and his residence, vehicle and electronic devices, it said, with analysis of seized devices revealing activities relating to the creation and dissemination of propaganda on behalf of ISIS.

ISIS, which seized control of swathes of northern Iraq and Syria in 2014, was once known for its slick use of online propaganda.

But the group has been on the backfoot since its military defeat, and as its successive top-tier leaders have been systematically targeted, analysts note that its online operations have become scattered and undisciplined.