Adm. Michael Rogers, head of the U.S. Cyber Command, has formed a task force to create digital weapons meant to disrupt the Islamic State militant organization’s online activities, the Washington Post reported Friday.
Ellen Nakashima and Missy Ryan write Joint Task Force Ares, led by Lt. Gen. Edward Cardon, will coordinate with the U.S. Central Command in efforts to damage the networks, computers and mobile phones of the Islamic State group.
The task force comprises approximately 100 military intelligence personnel and staff members at Fort Meade in Maryland, according to the report.
Officials said the unit aims to disrupt Islamic State group-related payment systems as well as identify and destroy the communications platform or Dabiq online magazine of the militant organization, the report states.
