Islamic State launches mobile app for children

Washington: ISIS has reportedly launched its first mobile app for children to teach them the Arabic alphabet and the vocabulary taught by it includes jihadist themes along with words like 'tank', 'gun' and 'rocket'.

The Islamic State's 'Library of Zeal' has released an application for teaching the Arabic alphabet to children on Android devices, the Long War Journal reported.

The vocabulary taught within the application includes jihadist themes. The application was released through Islamic State Telegram channels and on other file sharing websites.

The application has games for memorising and how to write the Arabic letters in addition to including a 'nasheed' -- a cappella Islamic songs - designed to help teach the alphabet.

The lyrics in the nasheed are littered with jihadist terminology, while other games within the app also include militaristic vocabulary with more common, basic words, the report said.

Words like 'tank', 'gun' and 'rocket' are among the first few taught within the application.

The Long War Journal posted several images of the app, which is brightly coloured and includes the look and feel one would expect from any children's application.

The 'Library of Zeal' also issued a press release, which included screenshots from the app as well as a link to download it, media reports said.

The release said it "teaches the cubs the alphabet letters".

The alphabet application is not the Islamic State's first mobile application, however it is the first to be directed exclusively at children.

The jihadist group has also produced several videos from many of its proclaimed provinces showing children being trained for jihad or being indoctrinated at Islamic State-run schools.

Other videos from the terror group have shown children being involved in beheadings and executions of prisoners held by the Islamic State.