IS Launches FM Radio Channel in Eastern Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD—The Islamic State group has launched an FM radio channel in eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

Local journalist Anaat Khan said the channel has been active for almost a month and can be heard in the provincial capital Jalalabad.

Local Provincial Council Member Zabihullah Zmaray said the broadcast lasts two hours daily from 6-8 p.m. and tries to convince the local population that their current system is un-Islamic.

“They broadcast propaganda in their favor and against the state in order to turn the people against the government. But in the last decade people have become aware and they are not falling for it,” Zmaray said.

He added that it is a mobile setup and the government was not worried because “the people will stand with the system and against (IS).”

But Khan said the local population is scared.

“They dislike IS, but they are so scared that they will listen to anything,” he added.

Khan, who has heard the broadcast, said IS asks the local population whether they prefer them or the government and promises the local population victories over their enemies.

“They say that they will fly the black flag first in Kabul, then in Islamabad (Pakistan), and afterwards in all the capitals of Muslim world,” Khan said.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said they are making efforts to get the station off the air, according to local TV Channel TOLO News.