A British woman who left the UK with her young child and journeyed to conflict-ridden Syria to join ISIS has now gained a significant following on the social media platform TikTok, with nearly 50,000 followers. Tareena Shakil made headlines by sharing disturbing images on Facebook of her son holding an Islamic State-branded balaclava and an AK47 rifle next to the notorious flag.
Originally a healthcare worker from Birmingham, Tareena was enticed to Syria by ISIS in 2014, using a £400 student loan to make the trip with her child. She resided in a house with other women awaiting marriage to foreign fighters but quickly realized her mistake and fled back to the UK, sparking widespread debate upon her return.
Having served half of a six-year sentence for her involvement with the extremist group, Tareena, known as the ‘Towie jihadi,’ has now rebranded herself as a social media influencer, sharing relationship advice and documenting her global travels on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
In her recent Instagram post from Paris during the Christmas season, Tareena is seen trying on outfits at the Chanel store. Her social media presence also includes visits to various destinations like Rome, Romania, the Cotswolds, Egypt, Amsterdam, and a ski resort in Albania.
On TikTok, where she enjoys a substantial following, Tareena, under the username “thatgirl.tamtam,” offers dating advice in a supportive manner. Her content focuses on topics like identifying a soulmate and understanding the concept of blocking, interspersed with glimpses of her luxurious travels.
In a departure from her past as a jihadi, Tareena’s YouTube channel features longer videos centered on positivity and strategies for achieving success. In a recent video, she reflects on overcoming challenging experiences and building inner strength, emphasizing the importance of resilience in personal development.
Born to Mandy, a British mother, and Mohammed, a father of Pakistani descent, Tareena grew up in Staffordshire with her family. Despite her tumultuous past involvement with ISIS, Tareena’s transformation into a social media influencer underscores her journey from a troubled past to a more positive and empowering present.