Amaq News Agency
Amaq News Agency (Arabic: وكالة أعماق الإخبارية, Wakālat Aʻmāq al-Ikhbārīyah, English: Amaq, as meaning of "Depth" or "Depths") is an online news outlet that serves as a media arm for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/Levant (ISIS/L). It was created to disseminate ISIS/L propaganda, claims of responsibility for terrorist attacks, and other information to further the group's agenda. The agency produces content primarily in Arabic but has expanded to include multiple languages to reach a broader audience.
Formerly | Arabic name: وكالة أعماق الإخبارية |
|---|---|
| ISIN | 🆔 |
| Industry | Terrorism, Propaganda |
| Founded 📆 | 2014-08-14 |
| Founder 👔 | Baraa Kadek, Abu Muhammad al-Furqan and other members of the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria/Levant |
Area served 🗺️ | |
| Services | Propaganda dissemination, recruitment messaging, ideological indoctrination, News |
| Revenue🤑 | Information not available |
| Owners | Baraa Kadek, Abu Muhammad al-Furqan and other members of the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria/Levant |
| Members | Not publicly disclosed |
Number of employees | Not publicly disclosed, but the media operations included a dedicated team of propagandists and media operatives |
| Rating | Not applicable |
| 🌐 Website | [Lua error in Module:WikidataIB at line 665: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). ] |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | Not publicly available or relevant |
The Officials of the Islamic state do not officialy state, that Amaq News Agency is part of them, nor does Amaq News Agency, but it is said, that there is an affiliation between these two organizations.
Operations and Content[edit]
Amaq News Agency operates through a variety of online platforms to disseminate its content, which is closely linked to the propaganda efforts of the Islamic State (ISIS). The agency utilizes social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram, and dedicated websites to reach its audience. This multifaceted approach ensures that Amaq can bypass attempts to shut down its operations by quickly reestablishing its presence on new or restored channels.
Platforms and Dissemination Methods[edit]
Social Media[edit]
Amaq has leveraged popular social media platforms to quickly spread its messages and propaganda. Despite frequent removals and bans by social media companies, the agency's content often reappears under new accounts or aliases, maintaining a persistent presence.
Encrypted Messaging Apps[edit]
Telegram, known for its robust encryption and privacy features, is one of the primary platforms used by Amaq to distribute content. The app's channels and groups allow the agency to reach a global audience while minimizing the risk of interception by authorities.
Dedicated Websites[edit]
In addition to social media and messaging apps, Amaq operates several dedicated websites that host its content. These websites often use sophisticated security measures and frequent domain changes to evade detection and shutdown efforts by international cybersecurity teams.
One of the known websites, where Amaq operates, is known as AlRaud Media Archive, which is "part of the Islamic state".
Content Types and Strategy[edit]
News Reports[edit]
Amaq publishes detailed news reports that cover a wide range of topics, from battlefield updates and territorial gains to political statements and ideological discourses. These reports are designed to provide a narrative that supports ISIS's activities and worldview.
Videos[edit]
Video content is a significant part of Amaq's strategy, featuring both high-production propaganda videos and raw footage of attacks or battles. These videos are intended to inspire supporters, recruit new members, and intimidate opponents by showcasing ISIS's strength and resolve.
Infographics[edit]
Infographics are used by Amaq to present information in a visually appealing and easily digestible format. These graphics often include statistics on attacks, maps of territorial control, and other data that highlights the group's activities and successes.
Competing with Mainstream Media[edit]
Amaq's strategy is to compete with mainstream media by offering timely, seemingly credible, and professional-quality content. By rapidly reporting on events and providing exclusive footage and information, Amaq aims to establish itself as a reliable source of news for its target audience. This approach not only boosts the agency's credibility among supporters but also serves to propagate ISIS's ideological messages effectively.
Impact and Resilience[edit]
Despite numerous efforts by international law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to disrupt its operations, Amaq has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The agency's ability to quickly adapt to new platforms and methods of dissemination has ensured its continued operation and influence. This adaptability highlights the challenges faced by authorities in combating online extremist propaganda and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to counteract such content.
