Kerala ISIS Module Head Believed To Be Killed In US Bombing in Afghanistan

Kozhikode, June 3: Rashid Abdulla, head of Kerala ISIS module, is believed to be killed in a US bombing in Afghanistan more than a month ago. The death news of Rashid Abdulla is reportedly shared by an unidentified ISIS operative from Afghanistan through Telegram app. The ISIS operative said Abdulla was killed in "random bombing" by US forces. Abdulla was heading a group of 21 people from Kerala who migrated to the ISIS stronghold in Afghanistan in May-June 2016.

The Telegram account of Abdulla was silent for more than two months after which his whereabouts were being asked. Abdulla, who belonged to Kasaragod district of Kerala, used to be very active on Telegram to spread the ISIS ideology. "He is no more," replied an ISIS operative, Times of India reported. "Total three Indian brothers, two Indian ladies and four kids got killed," the message said. Abdulla took the leadership of the Kerala module after the killing of Shajeer Mangalasseri Abdulla in Afghanistan. NIA Team in Colombo to Probe ISIS Related Cases.

Abdulla was employed at Peace International School set up by preacher MM Akbar. According to his former associates, he was radicalised by ISIS propaganda material available on the internet. From Afghanistan, Abdulla would send audio clips through Telegram app about life under ISIS's so-called Chilaphate. He had sent more than 90 audio clips through various accounts. He used to believe what ISIS taught was true Islam. Iraq Court Sentences Fourth French ISIS Member to Death, France Opposes.

Abdulla's views were rejected by Muslim scholars in Kerala including MM Akbar, CP Salim and Zakkariyya Swalahi. Swalahi has written a book arguing that Abdulla’s positions were against Islam. Security agencies are yet to confirm his death.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2019 08:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).