Videos of Soldiers Crying Posted on X Contain Disinformation

On June 8, 2026, a 15-second video was posted on X by @aattzz23. The video depicts a Ukrainian soldier, allegedly 23 years old, crying. The accompanying post claims that the soldier had been sent to the front lines and was therefore in distress. Within two hours, the video was viewed 732 times and received 34 likes.

 

 

However, subsequent investigation revealed that the video was not authentic and had been generated using artificial intelligence. The footage was analyzed using Google SynthID and HIVE Moderation, both AI-content detection tools. The results from both analyses confirmed that the video was AI-generated.

 

AI-generated videos portraying soldiers in emotional distress are not limited to the context of the war in Ukraine. Similar content has circulated on social media in relation to other conflicts. For example, on June 1, 2026, a nine-second video was shared on X by the user @DailyChinaNews. The video, which has been viewed more than 16,600 times and received 339 likes, shows a female U.S. soldier crying and stating that she misses her family.

 

Like the video shared on June 8, the June 1 video was also created using artificial intelligence. Analysis conducted using Google SynthID and HIVE Moderation determined that the footage was AI-generated. In particular, the SynthID analysis identified visual and physical inconsistencies characteristic of synthetic media.

 

In conclusion, both videos allegedly depicting Ukrainian and American soldiers crying were generated using artificial intelligence. These cases demonstrate how emotionally charged AI-generated content can be employed to influence public opinion during periods of war and conflict. It is therefore essential to verify the authenticity of content—especially material involving soldiers, civilians, or alleged victims of war—through reliable sources and technical detection tools before sharing it.

 

 

If you suspect that a video, image, or audio file has been created using artificial intelligence or deepfake technology and would like free assistance in verifying its authenticity, you may send the link to the content or the file itself to allaboutdeepfake@gmail.com.

Images and Video Purporting to Show Iran Capturing Israeli and American Soldiers Were Generated Using Artificial Intelligence

On April 12, 2026, a 36-second video related to the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States was posted on X under the username @MariaAlkaff_. The video purportedly shows Iranian soldiers capturing Israeli soldiers and depicts the treatment of the captured personnel. The post received 337 comments, was reposted 1,300 times, garnered 3,200 likes, and accumulated approximately 117,000 views.

 

However, the video is not authentic and was generated using artificial intelligence. It was initially analyzed using Google SynthID, which identified multiple indicators suggesting AI generation. In particular, inconsistencies in content, contextual coherence, and visual accuracy indicated that the footage had been produced using various AI-based tools.

In addition to SynthID, the video was examined using HIVE Moderation, another AI detection platform. The results from HIVE Moderation corroborated the initial findings, confirming that the video was generated through artificial intelligence.

 

 

A similar image was also shared on Facebook and Instagram on April 3, 2026. The accompanying claim alleged that the image depicted an F-35 pilot shot down by Iran on April 3, 2026, during interrogation.

Like the video shared on April 12, this image was also generated using artificial intelligence. Analysis conducted with SynthID revealed several anomalies—such as irregular physical features, lighting inconsistencies, and unusual environmental details within the interrogation setting—indicating AI production. Further examination using HIVE Moderation determined that the image was 92.5% likely to have been AI-generated.

 

In conclusion, both the image shared on April 3 and the video posted on April 12 are not authentic; both were created using artificial intelligence.

If you suspect that a video, image, or audio file has been created using artificial intelligence or deepfake technology and would like free assistance in verifying its authenticity, you may send the link to the content or the file itself to allaboutdeepfake@gmail.com.

Real Video, False Claim: Tel Aviv Post Contains Disinformation

On May 18, 2026, a 25-second video was posted on X by @IranNewsFeedX. The post claimed that the footage showed damage caused by an explosion in Tel Aviv.

The video received more than 46,800 views, over 2,300 likes, and more than 995 reposts. To determine whether the footage had been generated using artificial intelligence, it was analyzed using Google SynthID and HIVE Moderation. Both tools indicated that the video was authentic and not AI-generated. The footage clearly displays a sign reading “Royal Yak.” However, further investigation found no business by that name operating in Tel Aviv. Moreover, no reputable news sources reported an explosion in Tel Aviv on the date the video was shared.

 

To verify the origin of the footage, selected frames were examined using Google’s reverse image search. The analysis revealed that the images were taken from an explosion and subsequent fire that occurred on January 16, 2025, at a casino located in Plaza Cinépolis in Culiacán, Mexico.

In conclusion, while the video contains authentic footage and was not generated using artificial intelligence, it does not depict an explosion in Tel Aviv. Instead, the video shows a real event that occurred in a different country and at a different time. By presenting genuine footage in a misleading context, the post constitutes an example of disinformation. This case demonstrates that even authentic visual content can be manipulated through false attribution, underscoring the importance of verifying not only whether images are real but also where and when they were recorded.

 

 

If you suspect that a video, image, or audio file has been created using artificial intelligence or deepfake technology and would like free assistance in verifying its authenticity, you may send the link to the content or the file itself to allaboutdeepfake@gmail.com.

The News Claiming That 119 Israeli Soldiers Were Arrested Was Generated Using Artificial Intelligence

An image posted on Facebook regarding Israel’s ground operation against Lebanon on April 9, 2026, appeared to be an image accompanying a news report.

 

 

The image was subsequently shared by numerous accounts on X and Instagram. On X in particular, a version posted by the user @Rizvana_Raza on April 10 was viewed 33,700 times, reposted 683 times, and received more than 2,000 likes.

According to the accompanying claim, 119 Israeli Army logistics personnel, along with trucks carrying ammunition and fuel, had surrendered to Hezbollah. The post described this as one of the largest logistical surrenders in recent history and asserted that Israel’s supply lines had collapsed.

However, the image is not authentic and was generated using artificial intelligence. The photograph was first analyzed using Google SynthID, which identified multiple indicators of AI generation. In particular, irregularities in the physical features of individuals depicted in the image—such as unnatural hand and facial structures—along with inconsistencies in text, logos, and background details, strongly suggested synthetic production through various AI tools.

The image was also analyzed using HIVE Moderation, which independently confirmed that it had been created using artificial intelligence.

 

 

A reverse image search further indicated that the alleged news story was not published by any recognized or reputable news organization. Consequently, it was determined that both the image and the accompanying claim, shared on Facebook on April 9 and later on X on April 10, were not authentic and had been generated using artificial intelligence.

If you suspect that a video, image, or audio file has been created using artificial intelligence or deepfake technology and would like free assistance in verifying its authenticity, you may send the link to the content or the file itself to allaboutdeepfake@gmail.com.

AI-Generated Video Circulates on Reddit

Following the war that began with the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran on February 28, 2026, claims that Israel would target Türkiye after Iran have become a frequently discussed topic in Turkish public discourse. Numerous experts have shared their views on this issue across various platforms.

However, the debate has not been limited to experts; it has also become a widespread topic of public discussion. The heightened attention from both experts and the general public has led to an increase in social media posts suggesting that Türkiye would be the next target after Iran.

Not all of these posts reflect accurate information; some contain disinformation, fabricated claims, or misleading interpretations. One such post was shared on May 6, 2026, on Reddit by a user identified as “borsavefon.” The video purportedly showed Israeli journalist Yoni Ben-Menachem making statements about Türkiye.

 

Within three hours, the video received 45 comments and more than 44 upvotes. However, subsequent analysis determined that the footage had been produced using deepfake technology. The video was first examined using Google SynthID, which identified multiple indicators of AI generation. Notably, the speaker’s lip movements in the first half of the video appeared unnatural, and there were observable inconsistencies between the audio and visual synchronization—common characteristics of deepfake content.

The video was also analyzed using HIVE Moderation, another AI detection tool. The results corroborated the findings from Google SynthID, confirming that the content had been generated using AI algorithms.

 

In conclusion, the video posted on Reddit on May 6 was artificially generated and does not depict authentic statements. This case underscores the importance of verifying content circulating on social media platforms, particularly during periods of geopolitical tension and uncertainty. It also highlights the growing need for vigilance against AI-generated manipulative content.

 

 

If you suspect that a video, image, or audio file has been created using artificial intelligence or deepfake technology and would like free assistance in verifying its authenticity, you may send the link to the content or the file itself to allaboutdeepfake@gmail.com.

AI-driven fraud as an emerging cyber risk: Evidence from a global incident-based analysis

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies has introduced new and complex risks to individuals, companies, financial systems, and digital trust. While existing research has primarily examined deepfakes in sexual or political contexts, systematic analyses of AI-enabled fraud remain limited. This study addresses this gap by conducting an incident-based analysis of 167 documented cases of AI- and deepfake-enabled fraud worldwide between 2019 and 2025. Drawing on Cyber-Routine Activities Theory (C-RAT), the study examines temporal trends, victim targeting patterns, financial losses, and cross-national variations to assess how emerging AI technologies reshape opportunity structures for cybercrime. The findings reveal a sharp increase in AI-assisted fraud after 2022, coinciding with the public availability of generative AI tools. Victimization patterns shifted from companies toward individuals, while financial losses initially concentrated among companies before increasingly affecting individual victims. Country-level analysis highlights substantial variation, including evidence that targeted regulatory interventions can reduce exposure to AI-enabled fraud, as demonstrated in the People’s Republic of China. Overall, the results support C-RAT’s core assumptions regarding motivated offenders, suitable targets, and capable guardianship, while extending the theory to account for AI-driven cyber threats and systemic forms of guardianship. The study emphasizes that AI-enabled fraud represents a structural social risk inherent in modern digital infrastructures. Effective mitigation requires multi-layered strategies integrating technical controls, organizational investment in cybersecurity, and adaptive regulatory governance.

LINK: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07366981.2026.2631066

SHIFTING NARRATIVES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND SYRIA (ISIS) SUPPORTERS' TWITTER HASHTAG USAGE IN TÜRKIYE BEFORE AND AFTER ITS TERRITORIAL DEFEAT

This study examines the evolution of hashtags used by Turkish supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on Twitter, comparing the predefeat period (2014–2018) with the postdefeat period (2019–2022). The analysis encompasses 312,197 tweets to identify thematic shifts and network structures. In the predefeat phase, hashtags were primarily centered on geopolitical conflicts and political discourse, with prominent hashtags like #islamdevleti (Islamic State) and #incirlikkapatilsin (Incirlik Base must be closed). The network analysis revealed a main cluster of interconnected hashtags alongside smaller, niche groups. Postdefeat, the focus shifted towards humanitarian aid, financial support, and religious themes, with hashtags such as #sadaka (charity) and #infak (alms) becoming more prominent. This period exhibited multiple smaller, independent hashtag clusters, reflecting a more fragmented thematic focus. Despite these changes, core hashtags like #islamdevleti (Islamic State) and #hilafettakip (follow the caliphate) remained consistent, indicating enduring support for ISIS ideologies. The study underscores the adaptability of terrorist propaganda strategies in response to evolving circumstances and highlights the dynamic nature of online extremist activities. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how online platforms are leveraged by terrorist supporters to sustain and evolve their narratives over time.

Keywords: Twitter hashtags, terrorist propaganda, social media extremism, ISIS Turkish supporters, hashtag network analysis 

LINK: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/ijshs/article/1853490

Evolution and Focus of Terrorism Studies in Türkiye: A Comprehensive Analysis of Academic Literature (1992–2024)

The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution and characteristics of the academic literature on terrorism in Türkiye from 1992 to 2024. The study addresses two main research questions: the distinctive features of terrorism literature in Türkiye and the types of terrorist organizations that have been the focus of this literature, along with temporal changes in these focuses. In this direction, the study used descriptive and dictionary-based analyses on a dataset of 1066 academic publications identified through "Publish or Perish" software, focusing on studies with relevant keywords in Turkish. The descriptive analysis examined publication trends, number of citations, number of authors, and study types, while the dictionary-based analysis identified the most studied terrorist organizations and tracked changes over time. The findings reveal that most studies in this literature, which experienced significant growth after 9/11 and peaked in 2019, received fewer than ten citations. The literature predominantly focuses on organizations like the PKK, with shifting attention to groups like ISIS and FETÖ in recent years. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how terrorism studies in Türkiye have developed and evolved over the last three decades.

LINK: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/ijshs/issue/93549/1736233

Understanding the Fear of Terrorism in Türkiye and Taiwan

Abstract 

This study investigates the heightened fear of terrorism in Türkiye and Taiwan, two countries with distinct histories of terrorism yet similar levels of fear, despite differing exposure to terrorist incidents. Utilizing data from the seventh wave of the World Values Survey, the research employs Ordinal Logistic Regression (OLR) to examine the effects of various media sources -television, newspapers, and the internet- on fear of terrorism in both countries. The findings indicate that while internet usage increases fear of terrorism in Türkiye, it has no significant effect in Taiwan. Conversely, exposure to television elevates fear of terrorism in Taiwan but not in Türkiye. Furthermore, the study underscores the influence of demographic and sociocultural factors, such as gender and the importance of religion, in shaping perceptions of terrorism. Women in both countries report higher levels of fear, and participants with stronger religious beliefs demonstrate increased fear. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a comparative analysis of two geographically and politically distinct nations, highlighting the role of media and contextual factors in understanding public fear of terrorism. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers in developing targeted interventions to address these fears.

Keywords: Taiwan, Türkiye, Fear of Terrorism, Ordinal Logistic Regression.

LINK: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4326872

The Effects of Attitudes Towards Immigrants on Fear of Terrorism in Türkiye

Abstract 

Two prominent subjects in recent years that have captivated the Turkish public are immigration and terrorism. The profound migration crisis in Türkiye, coupled with a surge in terrorism-related crimes, has forged a substantial association between immigrants and terrorism in the perception of many Turkish people. Along these lines, although there are many academic studies of the relationship in Europe between immigrants and the fear of terrorism, the number of academic studies focusing on Türkiye is insufficient. For this reason, in this study, we use the seventh wave of the World Values Survey (WVS) to focus on the statistical relationship between the fear of terrorism and the view of immigrants in Türkiye. As shown by regression analysis, the rise in fear of terrorism in Türkiye also increases negative attitudes towards immigrants. However, since the results based only on the quantitative regression analysis do not provide in-depth information, we support the quantitative results with face-to-face interviews. In line with the results of the regression analysis, in the interviews, we find that one of the critical factors that increased participants' fear of terrorism is the immigrants who came to Türkiye in recent years. 

 Keywords: Immigrants, fear of terrorism, terrorism, Ordinal Logistic Regression, Türkiye

LINK: https://journals.tplondon.com/md/article/view/3519

Soliciting Terror: ISKP Digital Communications and Financing Tactics Through Voice of Khurasan

 Abstract

This study explores the digital strategies employed by the Islamic State's Khorasan Province (ISKP), focusing on its Voice of Khurasan magazine, which serves as a platform for propaganda, fundraising, and communication. Through descriptive and focused analyses of 40 issues, the study identifies ISKP's integration of cryptocurrency, particularly Monero, for anonymous donations, and its innovative use of dual communication platforms, Telegram and Rocket.Chat, to maintain operational secrecy. The research highlights the role of Quranic verses in legitimising donation requests and the shift to decentralized platforms in response to counterterrorism efforts. It underscores the challenges posed by ISKP's digital strategies and calls for enhanced collaboration between governments, technology companies, and blockchain analysts to counter these threats. This multi-disciplinary approach aims to disrupt terrorist networks while balancing privacy and security in the digital age.

LINK: https://gnet-research.org/2024/12/12/soliciting-terror-iskp-digital-communications-and-financing-tactics-through-voice-of-khurasan/

A Hashtag Perspective: Examining ISIS Supporter Activities on Twitter in Türkiye between 2019 and 2022

This study explores the Twitter activities of Turkish supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) from 2019 to 2022, focusing on hashtag usage patterns. As a central part of ISIS's online strategy, hashtags are pivotal in disseminating propaganda, coordinating campaigns, and soliciting support. By analyzing 202,327 tweets, this research offers insights into thematic priorities and interconnections within ISIS-related discourse. Employing descriptive and network analyses, key findings reveal a steady increase in ISIS-supportive tweets, the emergence of clusters around aid and familial support, and distinct, unconnected hashtag groups reflecting various narratives. Hashtags related to financial aid, such as #saveprisoners and #elholcamp, emerge as central, highlighting a covert system of funding through social media and encrypted communication. This paper underscores the complexity of ISIS's digital influence in Türkiye, emphasizing the need for multifaceted countermeasures involving tech platforms, security forces, and media awareness campaigns to combat online extremist activities effectively.

LINK: https://gnet-research.org/2024/08/07/a-hashtag-perspective-examining-isis-supporter-activities-on-twitter-in-turkiye-between-2019-and-2022/

Comparative Analysis of the Content of Online Magazines of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Different Languages: Dabiq, Rumiyah, and Konstantiniyye

 Abstract

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) effectively uses online magazines for propaganda, leveraging advanced internet technologies to disseminate its message in multiple languages. This study investigates ISIS's use of online magazines to promote its self-proclaimed jihad and attract recruits globally. While existing research examines ISIS's multilingual magazines, few studies comprehensively compare them across languages. This study conducts a text analysis of Dabiq and Rumiyah in English and Konstantiniyye in Turkish. The findings reveal that all magazines construct distinct “us” versus “them” identities, focusing on religion and justification. Konstantiniyye, targeting Turkish Muslims, emphasizes stronger religious themes compared to Dabiq and Rumiyah. Overall, these magazines discuss legal systems, jihad, state structure, and social order, advocating for Muslim unification under a single “caliphate.” This analysis sheds light on ISIS's diverse propaganda strategies tailored to different linguistic contexts.

Keywords: Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS); Dictionary-based Analysis; Dabiq; Rumiyah; Konstantiniyye

LINK:  https://journals.tplondon.com/ipr/article/view/3313

A Hashtag Perspective: Examining ISIS Supporter Activities on Twitter in Türkiye between 2019 and 2022

Recent advancements in social media technologies have significantly impacted both individuals and terrorist organizations. This study examines the Twitter activities of ISIS's Turkish supporters from 2019 to 2022, focusing on the hashtags they used. The study employs a hashtag network analysis to explore the relationships and central themes among the hashtags used in 202,327 tweets by 666 different users. The analysis reveals a central cluster of hashtags related to various forms of aid, particularly financial support, often connected with hashtags like #elholcamp and #yoursisterinprisoncamp, which pertain to families of ISIS members detained in YPG-controlled camps. Additionally, Turkish supporters of ISIS solicit financial aid via Twitter, phone numbers, and Telegram, using religious hadiths to legitimize their efforts. The findings underscore the sophisticated use of social media by ISIS supporters to sustain their activities in Türkiye and beyond, highlighting the need for a multifaceted response involving tech companies, security forces, local communities, and the media. This collaboration is crucial to detect, report, and mitigate the misuse of social media for terrorist purposes and to educate the public about these activities.

LINK: https://gnet-research.org/2024/08/07/a-hashtag-perspective-examining-isis-supporter-activities-on-twitter-in-turkiye-between-2019-and-2022/

The Effects of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Soft-Terrorism Strategies on Turkish Public Opinion Using Google Data

 Abstract

The development of social media and internet technologies has significantly impacted individuals, organizations, and societies. Notably, these advancements have influenced individuals and communities and profoundly affected terrorist organizations. The adept use of these technologies by existing terrorist organizations has had a negative psychological impact on individuals who may not be directly affected by terrorist attacks. The soft-terrorism concept captures this dynamic. This study analyzes Google data to comprehend the influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), one of the organizations that most effectively employs soft-terrorism strategies, on Turkish public opinion. To gain insights into the Turkish public’s interest in ISIS terrorist attacks and soft-terrorism strategies, Turkish Google searches on “ISIS” between January 2014 and December 2018 are analyzed. The research findings indicate that ISIS’ soft-terrorism strategies have a more significant impact on capturing the attention of the Turkish public compared to the terrorist attacks carried out by ISIS within Turkey. Moreover, ISIS’ soft-terrorist strategies have long-term effects on Turkish interest in ISIS.

LINK: https://iga.pknu.ac.kr:446/html/jga/online-jga.php?mode=view&idx=26

 ISIS Religious and Extremist Propaganda on Social Media: Dictionary-Based Study of Twitter

Abstract

The world had faced with many terrorist organizations until 2014. However, after 2014, the world faced with the most complicated terrorist organization. This terrorist organization is ISIS or Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. ISIS has been running a more different propaganda campaign, emphasizing the state-building and welfare schemes run by this organization and these elements make ISIS more complicated. ISIS has been very well integrated into the new technology such as social media and smartphone and ISIS has been using them very effectively. Especially Twitter has become a major component of ISIS social media movement. Twitter was used to spread sensationalistic ISIS photos and videos across the Twitter users. While ISIS spread fear and messages on twitter, at the same time it also gained supporters. However, it is seen that ISIS’ sympathizer uses different jargons in terms of their number of followers in twitter. As a result of my research, I found that users with more followers used a stronger violence jargon on Twitter, while users with fewer followers using a softer and more religious language. Users with less followers were an emphasis on unity and religion, while users with more followers encouraging physical violence such as lone wolf attacks and killing enemy appeared more often on Twitter. Dictionary-based analysis of ISIS' and its sympathizers' tweets were performed. This dictionary-based research creates a typology to explain and categorize tweets from ISIS and its followers. For reliability, "Split-half test" was applied to the results and similar results were reached.

Keywords: ISIS, Twitter, Dictionary-Based Analysis, Propaganda

RELATED LINK: https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/isis-religious-and-extremist-propaganda-social-media-dictionary-based-study-twitter

New Poker in Middle East

Republic of Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, announced in a television speech(12.12.2018) Turkish military force would start a military operation to east of the Euphrates. The main target of this military operation is the Kurdish elements of the Syrian Democratic Force (YPG) in the region. Republic of Turkey sees this democratic force as a part of PKK(Kurdistan Workers' Party). According to Republic of Turkey, PKK is a terrorist organization. However, USA works in coorperation with Syrian Democratic Force against ISIS in Northern Syria. 

After President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's military operation anouncement, US warned Turkey not to attack Syria. A spokeman for the US department of defence said that unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as US personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern. We would find any such actions unacceptable.

Russia, on the military operation, said that both sides need to be discreet.

As we could understand USA is totally against this military operation. Russia tries to find a middle way between Turkey, YPG and USA in this military operation. 

Soon or late, Turkey will launch this military operation to Eastern Syria, because Turkey always states that it is always uncomfortable about the presence of YPG in the region. Because of this Turkey's unconfortable situation, Turkey lauched two military operation to two different places in Northern Syria and Turkish military force ceaned these two places from YPG's militants. Turkey is really decisive about the presence of YPG in the region.

Almost at the same day, there was one more interesting news about Middle East. The news was about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reported to be “seriously considering” setting up a “game-changing” Camp David-style summit meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Many researchers believe that the main purpose of this meeting is to fix the bad image of the Saudi Arabia. ı am not totally agree with these researchers. Because, Saudi Arabia isolated from most of the Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey, Qatar and Iran. In my opinion, the main purpose of this meeting is to seek new alliances in the region.

As we could understand that there is a new poker game in Middle East and countries in the region try to take part in this game and they want to be strong in this game.