1039: Tareena Shakil | An ISIS Recruit's Journey and Escape Part One

Initial Contact

Tareena Shakil's initial contact with ISIS recruiters began innocuously through social media. She was drawn in by a young, handsome man who seemed friendly and supportive, unaware that he was a recruiter responsible for luring hundreds of girls to ISIS. Tareena's realization of being groomed came much later, during her trial, when she learned the true extent of his manipulation 1. Her journey started with a simple message of support to what she thought were Palestinian fighters, only to discover they were in Syria 2.

I reactivated Facebook and started coming across profiles of guys dressed in black, holding guns. I initially thought they were Palestinian.

--- Tareena Shakil

This marked the beginning of her radicalization process.

   

Emotional Vulnerabilities

Tareena's emotional vulnerabilities played a significant role in her radicalization. She was in an abusive marriage, feeling isolated and desperate for a way out. This made her susceptible to the grooming tactics used by ISIS recruiters 3. Her life had become a cycle of violence and control, leaving her with no friends, no phone, and no freedom 4.

I was depressed in that house. No phone, no friends, nothing that I could do.

--- Tareena Shakil

These circumstances created a perfect storm for her to be manipulated into joining ISIS.

   

Tactics and Strategies

ISIS recruiters employed specific tactics to manipulate Tareena into their ideology. They used fear and religious manipulation, convincing her that living in a non-Sharia country would condemn her to hell 5. The control extended to her life in Raqqa, where movement was heavily restricted, and she was constantly under scrutiny due to her Western background 6.

Staying in England, your body is levitating over the fire of hell. That is it.

--- Tareena Shakil

These strategies were designed to isolate and indoctrinate her completely.