Amaq: Fake news agency of ISIS with real propaganda

Seven attacks in a week, afflicting every corner of the world: whether they organised, guided or just inspired them, the Islamic State (ISIS) group has developed a finely-tuned machine for claiming responsibility, analysts say.

From Manchester to Melbourne, via Somalia, Indonesia, Egypt, Manila and London, the week of May 29 to June 5 saw a series of deadly strikes claimed by the jihadist group, mostly via its “news agency” Amaq.

While it tries to present itself online as an international media agency, including with Breaking News straps and neutral news vocabulary, Amaq is first and foremost a propaganda tool.

But for the moment it has not been caught redhanded touting untruths, and its claims are considered as reliable by experts and anti-terrorism authorities.

“The growing number of claims in recent days fits in with the growing number of attacks,” Mathieu Guidere, an expert on Islamist movements said.

These claims always correspond to attacks inspired, guided or organised by the Islamic State “because they can’t allow themselves to lie about a case, or to take responsibility for attacks which were not carried out in their name,” said Mr Guidere. “If that were the case, they would be the laughing stock of the jihadist world. Their credibility is at stake.”