Chicago Man Convicted for Aiding ISIS Through Online Propaganda and Recruitment

Image: Jihad Watch

A federal court in Chicago has convicted a 41-year-old man, Ashraf Al Safoo, for orchestrating an extensive online campaign aimed at supporting the Islamic State (ISIS), recruiting operatives, and inciting acts of terrorism. Al Safoo, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Iraq who moved to the United States in 2008, was found guilty following a bench trial on multiple serious federal charges.

The court found Al Safoo guilty on one count of conspiracy to transmit threats via interstate communication, one count of conspiracy to unlawfully access protected computers, four counts of unauthorized access to protected computers, and four counts of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Al Safoo was a core member of the Khattab Media Foundation, a pro-ISIS online propaganda network that has pledged allegiance to the terrorist group. Through this network, Al Safoo actively collaborated with ISIS operatives to create and disseminate extremist content across various social media platforms. This propaganda not only glorified violence but also served as a recruitment tool aimed at encouraging individuals to carry out attacks in the name of ISIS.

Al Safoo’s digital content included disturbing visuals meant to provoke fear and incite violence. Prosecutors described how one video he helped produce began with a computer-generated image of a peaceful family scene gathered around a Christmas tree. The scene then abruptly cut to harrowing images of bomb explosions and injured or dead children—an intentional juxtaposition meant to terrorize viewers during the holiday season. The video continued with text that read: “Now listen you dogs of hell. This is a message and more are going to follow. This is just the beginning. Our gifts are now ready.” The clip ended with scenes of a ticking bomb hidden in a gift box, a mass shooting, and an ISIS militant detonating explosives near iconic world landmarks.

Investigators also recovered social media posts written by Al Safoo that directly encouraged acts of terrorism. In one post, he urged members of Khattab to spread ISIS propaganda to “cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” Another post called on followers to participate actively in ISIS’s global campaign of violence, stating: “Work hard, brothers... participate in the war, and spread terror. The [Islamic] State does not want you to just watch it. Rather, it incites you—and if you are unable, then use it to incite others.”

According to federal authorities, in November 2017, Al Safoo used encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms to rally support for ISIS, encouraging individuals to assist the group "in any way possible."

The conviction underscores the ongoing threat of online radicalization and the extent to which terrorist organizations like ISIS exploit digital tools to recruit followers and orchestrate violence across the globe. Al Safoo now faces sentencing for his crimes, which carry significant penalties due to their grave nature and implications for national security.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)