True or false? 15 rumors about the Islamic State, fact-checked

GlobalPost
The World

KIRKUK, Iraq — Since they hit the international limelight — first in Syria in 2013 and then in Iraq with the capture of Mosul in June — the Islamic State, formerly known as ISIL or ISIS, has committed their fair share of atrocities. They have beheaded their enemies, stolen state and private property, destroyed cultural heritage sites and displaced minority groups.

But apparently, their own grisly media campaigns and public executions have not been drama enough for the international community. Over the past year, countless false reports, fake images and Photoshopped documents have been making the rounds on social media in a smear campaign against an already self-vilified extremist group.

So which of these rumors are actually true?

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.