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Daesh's New, Strange, Worst Nightmare
British Special Forces have reportedly starting using an unusual new tactic in the fight against Daesh in Libya.
Many Islamist groups are so hostile to western and secular ideas - Boko Haram means “Western learning forbidden” - that blaring music at them could be proving an effective weapon on the battlefield.
According to the Daily Mirror, a British Army officer born in Pakistan suggested that Bollywood music would annoy the militants.
The choice is not accidental: Bollywood music from India is popular with people in neighbouring Pakistan, and strict areas of Muslim Pakistan have banned it because they consider it offensive and an insidious influence.
It is also well liked by many Muslims in Afghanistan despite being outlawed by the Taliban.
That’s why it is apparently now being blasted out of large speakers outside Sirte, and why insurgents' radio signals are getting intercepted and jammed with the latest Indian chart topper.
It's said to come courtesy of the Psy Ops unit at the American JSOC – Joint Special Operations Command.
US special operations troops
The tactic isn't being employed just to aggravate the enemy, however.
Special forces are using the music to discredit Daesh within Sirte, where they have imposed Sharia Law.
British Special Boat Service personnel are currently believed in Sirte, training Libyan troops to drive Daesh out.
The force and speed with which extremists shut the music down allows special forces to assess military capabilities and look for weak points.
These assessments will help with the upcoming attempt to push the militants out of Sirte, which they've held for 20 months.
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