A video showing night-time airstrikes is going viral on social media. Many users claim it shows India’s recent military operation against Pakistan. However, fact-checkers have confirmed that the video is from 2024 and actually shows an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon.
India Responds to Deadly Terror Attack
On May 6, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor. This operation came after a terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. In that attack, militants killed 26 tourists. Reports say the attackers targeted victims based on religion.
In response, the Indian military carried out airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Officials stated the strikes were aimed at known militant bases and not civilian areas.
The Viral Video Sparks Misinformation
Soon after the operation, a video showing explosions at night began trending online. Users on platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube shared it widely. Many claimed it showed Indian forces launching ballistic missiles at Pakistan.
Some users added text suggesting it was footage from Operation Sindoor. The video created confusion and fear among viewers.
Fact-Check Reveals the Truth
Fact-checking site Fact Crescendo looked into the video. Using reverse image search, they found it was not recent. The same video was posted by Voice of America News on September 28, 2024.
The original post explained that the footage showed Israeli airstrikes on Choueifat, a suburb of Beirut. This airstrike took place on September 27, 2024, during an Israeli military operation targeting Hezbollah.
Attack Was Part of Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
In that operation, Israel targeted senior leaders of Hezbollah. Among those killed was Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The airstrike destroyed several buildings, causing civilian deaths and injuries.
The same video was also found on the Associated Press website, confirming it was from the Beirut strike. There is no connection between this video and the current India-Pakistan conflict.
Why Old Videos Go Viral During War
During international tensions, old videos often resurface with false captions. These misleading posts spread fast on social media. They can create panic or fuel anger, even when the content is unrelated.
This is not the first time such misinformation has gone viral. Similar cases have occurred during past wars and natural disasters.
No Official Video from Indian Operation
India’s Ministry of Defence has not released any footage from Operation Sindoor. Military spokespeople have warned the public not to believe unverified videos online.
Pakistan has also not confirmed or commented on any video of the airstrikes.
Tips to Spot Fake War Footage
Media experts suggest people take extra care when viewing videos of war or disaster. Here are some simple tips:
Check the source of the video
Use tools like Google Lens or reverse image search to verify images
Look for reports from trusted news outlets
Follow known fact-checking websites like Fact Crescendo or BOOM Live
Misinformation Can Be Dangerous
False information during wartime can make people afraid or angry. It can also harm public understanding of real events. That is why fact-checking is so important today.
Governments, media, and citizens all play a role in stopping the spread of fake news. Sharing verified facts helps everyone stay safe and informed.
