( CNN ) Hidden , but vocal , average Syrians are questioning one of the most feared terror groups in the world and attempting to hold them accountable for crimes committed against the civilian population . From an undisclosed location , a Syrian activist operating under the pseudonym Abu Rafiq spoke to CNN about the war taking place on one of ISIS 's main front lines -- social media . The targets of the grassroots offensive are foreign fighters , notorious for using their Twitter and Facebook accounts to encourage young people to join their jihad . `` We would like to deliver this message to those who are joining ISIS especially from Europe , America , and some Arab countries and make them understand this is not the way , and this is not humility and this is not Islam , '' Abu Rafiq says , `` You ca n't just go and let some guy brainwash you and make you think you will go to paradise . '' A handful of natives split evenly inside the ISIS strongholds of Raqqah and Abu Kamal recently launched the hashtags `` Scream from al-Raqqah '' and `` Abu Kamal Under Fire '' to heckle ISIS extremists and share photos and news from the occupied cities . Some of the images are grotesque ; one shows a decapitated man tied to a pole with his head in his lap , a warning of the consequences that may befall any who violate the terror group 's draconian rule . Other images seem to act almost as a proof of life -- a small sheet of paper held close to the camera with the name of Abu Rafiq 's group scribbled in blue ink , and in the background a recognizable landmark . `` We are hear ( sic ) and we continue to reveal ISIS 's crimes , '' a caption on Twitter reads . Taking these types of photographs has already landed two of the activists in the custody of jihadis , according to Abu Rafiq who said that ISIS did not realize they were part of an organized opposition group and released them after a few days . But at least one endured torture at the hands of his captors , he said . `` The regime played the media card and ISIS did the same , and they are both very good at this , '' Abu Rafiq said explaining the importance of press coverage . `` So I thought we have to do something about this , and all of the Syrian people thought the same , so I am one of those who joined against ISIS . '' They were once taxi drivers and medical students , but now these activists are among the brave few engaging ISIS militants directly online -- questioning their beliefs and then posting the interactions for the world to see . `` Look at the murders of ISIS they cant ( sic ) even make excuses because they are brainwashed and they are like pieces on a chess board and when they are cornered they run away , '' wrote one user above a screen shot showing his account had been blocked by an ISIS fighter after he badgered him online . The online taunting caught the attention of ISIS 's central command structure in Syria , and a sleeper cell was ordered to find and destroy the clandestine group , according to a letter Abu Rafiq claims was leaked to his organization . The team of activists has yet to see a crackdown , but remains vigilant . `` We are not scared . It is just a letter . Because when you take a photo in front of ISIS members you are risking your life to deliver the truth from on the ground , so we are used to it , '' he shrugs . Abu Rafiq claims that some foreign fighters are defecting from ISIS , something reported by other activists and local media . He points to a literal sign of this trend -- a billboard warning truck drivers not to pick up or transport jihadis across the country . `` It shows how scared and worried they are because the number defecting is more and more , so they are telling drivers not to help them or take them anywhere , '' he said . Abu Rafiq 's underground network is modest so far , but similar groups in the area that have more support and resources -- including one calling itself `` Raqqah is Being Slaughtered Silently '' -- have been threatened with death for publishing reports on the ISIS operation in their hometown . `` Syrian people are very patient , but we have a limit , '' he told CNN . `` What happens with Assad , it might happen with ISIS and with anyone else . I think that might happen very soon . ''
Syrian ##s are taking the insult to heart over social media . They hope to counter the terrorist group 's online attacks . The online attack has caught the attention of ISIS ' central command .