Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Pakistani Airforce helicopter shot down by Afghan forces.
Fact
Old video of chopper crash shared out of context.
Days after Pakistan launched an operation allegedly targeting a training facility for insurgents in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province on December 24, the Afghan forces hit several points inside Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes.
The Taliban government had earlier said that Pakistan’s airstrikes had killed 46 people, mostly women and children. Following this, the Taliban Defense Ministry posted on X, said that its forces targeted Pakistani points that “served as centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan.”
In this backdrop, a 17-second-long-video purportedly showing a Pakistani Airforce chopper crashing after supposedly being attacked by the Afghan forces is being widely shared on social media platforms. Newschecker, however, found the video to be old.
The video was shared by several social media users claiming, “Pakistani Airforce helicopter shot down by the elite commandos of the Afghan Taliban along the disputed Durand line.”
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Ambedkar Row – Old, Unrelated Video Shared As Massive Protest Against Amit Shah
Fact Check/Verification
A Google lens search on the keyframes of the viral clip led us to a YouTube video by @gonovisionplus8354, dated September 5, 2023. Carrying a slightly longer version of the viral video, it stated that a Pakistan Navy Helicopter crash in Gwadar claimed three lives.
Taking a clue, we looked up keywords “Pakistan Navy helicopter crash” and “Gwadar” on YouTube which yielded a report by Times Now, dated September 5, 2023. It featured the viral video of a chopper crash, and stated, “In a tragic incident, a Pakistan Navy helicopter crashed in the southwestern city of Gwadar, Balochistan province, resulting in the loss of three crew members’ lives as the terrifying video of the crash was caught on camera and went viral.”
A PTI report on the incident also carried a screengrab from the viral video, and corroborated that the Navy chopper crashed during a routine training flight in Balochistan’s Gwadar.
Also Read: Old Video Of Colombian Woman Trying To Evade Bus Fare Falsely Claimed As Indian Immigrant In London
Carrying a video of the same chopper crash, a report by The Balochistan Post, dated September 4, 2023, stated that three personnel, including two officers were killed in the incident. It further identified the deceased as “Pilot Lieutenant Commander Jawad, Assistant Pilot Lieutenant Commander Hamza, and technician Hasnain.”
Following the crash, the Director General of Public Relations (Navy) said in a statement, “A Pakistan Navy helicopter, engaged in a regular training mission, encountered an accident in the Gwadar area. Three crew members embraced Shahadat during the incident,” reported Dawn.
It also quoted a spokesperson as saying that the helicopter crashed during the flight due to a possible technical fault, and that an investigation had been launched into the incident.
Multiple other outlets such as this, this and this reported on the Pakistan Navy helicopter crash in September, 2023.
Also Read: No, This Is Not The Last Photo Of Manmohan Singh
Conclusion
Hence, viral posts alleging to show a Pakistani Airforce Helicopter shot down by Afghan forces were found to be false.
Result: False
Sources
YouTube Video By @gonovisionplus8354, Dated September 5, 2023
YouTube Video By Times Now, Dated September 5, 2023
Report By The Balochistan Post, Dated September 4, 2023
Report By Dawn, Dated September 5, 2023
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
