From lone wolves to high tech: ISIL’s post-Snowden evolution

Special to WorldTribune.com

By Backgrounder, Geostrategy-Direct.com

Did the actions of Edward Snowden enable Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) to formulate a blueprint that led to the evolution of its “caliphate”?

Screen capture from an ISIL propaganda video.
Screen capture from an ISIL propaganda video.

Several experts say that, in the wake of Snowden’s revelations, investigators have intercepted far fewer of ISIL’s communications. The terror group is now using encrypted messaging software that can not be intercepted by U.S. intelligence, the experts say.

Encrypted messaging allows ISIL not only to solidify its base in Syria and Iraq but to coordinate attacks abroad by its affiliates, including the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris in which 129 people were killed and the downing of a Russian airliner in Egypt that killed more than 200.

Mokhtar Awad, at the Center for American Progress which specializes in studying Islamist extremism, said Paris marked a game-changer in the way ISIL carries out external attacks.

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