Terrorist & Rebel COVID-19 Messaging: 77% Decrease in Volume for Week 15, 57% Increase in Groups

Terrorist and rebel messaging on COVID-19 decreased 77% during Week 15 (5 Apr. - 11 Apr.). As of 11 Apr. 2020, a total of 318 written statements, photos, graphics, publications, videos and audio messages on COVID-19 have been officially released by terrorist and rebel groups around the world.

The drop is largely attributable to a decrease in Taliban photos on COVID-19 during Week 15. During Week 14 the Taliban released 110 COVID-19 related photos but none during Week 15. 

Eleven groups have released COVID-19 messages so far. The Taliban have been in the lead with 47% (151) of those messages. HTS came in second at 21% (67) and al-Shabaab in third with 9% (30). Islamic State (IS), al-Qaeda, National Liberation Army (ELN), al-Huthi Rebels, Baluch Liberation Army (BLA), Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) have also all released messages.