An app created by Islamist fundamentalist group the Taliban has been removed from the Google Play Store after violating terms of service which prohibit hate speech to be shared via apps available through the platform.

The app, called Alemarah, included official statements and videos from the organisation in Pashto, one of the native languages of Afghanistan and surrounding areas. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahed called the app “part of our advanced technological efforts to make more global audience” during an interview with Bloomberg.

It is part of recent efforts by the organisation to reach supporters through digital channels, which include an updated website available in five different languages, as well as Twitter and Facebook accounts that provide daily reports and propaganda on its insurgency efforts against the Afghan government.

The apps release was reported by SITE Intel Group, a US-based organisation that monitors jihadist social media, and it was removed less than two days after appearing on the Google Play Store. The Taliban cited “technical issues” as the reason behind the apps removal.

The app is thought to be an indicator of the Talibans efforts to compete with Islamic State, which is known to use digital channels and social media as part of its recruitment efforts. The two organisations are rivals and IS has recently been making efforts to establish a presence in Afghanistan. The app is part of the Talibans attempts to retain support in its own back garden, as well as expand its global reach.