British Teens See ISIS Fighters As 'Pop Idols' Amid UK Fight Against Teen Radicalisation

Britain’s leading Muslim prosecutor believes hundreds of teenagers in the country see ISIS militants as “pop idols.” He claimed teenagers are in danger of being radicalised because of the young’s perspective.

Nazir Afzal said recent departures from Britain to Syria suggest that many are still at risk to what he describes as “jihadimania.” The top Muslim prosecutor explained that boys and girls want to be with them. “That’s what they used to says about the Beatles and more recently One Direction and Justin Bieber,” added Afzal.

He remarked that the propaganda ISIS causes British teens to fall for the “image.” Teenagers who are prone to radicalisation may see their own lives as poor by comparison. The militants can manipulate teens and isolate them from their families and friends.

The Guardian reports that Afzal that “another 7/7” could happen unless Britain initiates a community-led approach to counter-terrorism. His comments came after British police allowed more time to question the six people who are suspected of terrorism offences. The five men and one woman were arrested in Dover last week.

Previous reports have indicated that around 600 young Muslims have left the country to join ISIS in the Middle East. Afzal said he wants the next government to create an army of young British Muslims who are capable of turning around potential ISIS fighters.

He added that the government should find a way to engage with young people who can stop radicalisation. Afzal believes just simply telling British teens that joining ISIS is bad for them or getting them arrested by the police will not solve the problem.

Meanwhile, the arrival of ISIS fighters in the capital of Syria sparks fears of a direct threat to the Syrian government as the terror group moves closer to the region’s last remaining stable countries. Fighting near the Yarmouk area in the southern part of Damascus has placed thousands of civilians at risk.

The United Nations has recently called for the area to be evacuated as ISIS fighters advance closer to Jordan, Lebanon and Israel, reports CNBC. Moderate factions opposed to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have held Yarmouk for three years. However, fighting has intensified last week when ISIS fighters made a push to capture the area.

The arrival of ISIS in Damascus brings the group to within about 60 miles of Jordan’s northern border and about 20 miles from Lebanon. Jordan is friendly to the West and maintains good relations with Israel.

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