Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7. The operation involved targeted missile and air strikes on nine locations in Pakistan, aiming at terrorist infrastructure linked to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. India asserts that these strikes were precise and non-escalatory, focusing solely on militant targets.
In retaliation, Pakistan claims to have downed several Indian drones and fighter jets, including at least one Rafale aircraft, and has reported civilian casualties resulting from the Indian strikes. Both nations have exchanged drone attacks and heavy artillery fire along the Line of Control, leading to civilian evacuations and heightened military alerts.
In the above context, a video is being widely shared on social media in which explosions can be seen amid buildings. The video is shared with a caption claiming that the video is of India’s attack on Bhawalpur city of Pakistan.
A social media user shared the video with a caption that reads, “Attack by India in Bahawalpur.”
SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The viral video is old and from Gaza.
On a Google reverse image search, we found that the same video was uploaded by an X account, Kabul News, on October 23, 2023. The video was shared with a caption suggesting that it was of Israel launching airstrikes on Gaza, which resulted in the loss of 400 lives, including women and children, with hundreds more still trapped under collapsed buildings.
Further, Yandex reverse image search led to a website, MKRU, where the same video was published on October 23, 2023. The video was shared with a caption suggesting that it shows a series of powerful explosions lighting up the city’s outskirts after the Israeli army attacked the Gaza Strip.
Another website, News RU, also shared the screenshot of the video with a caption that reads, “On the night of October 13, the IDF Air Force continued to strike targets in the Gaza Strip. Gaza sources say the Israeli Air Force has attacked a target in Badr, west of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.”
The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, following a surprise Hamas attack killing over 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza resulted in more than 52,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread destruction, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict continues with no resolution in sight.
Hence, we can ascertain that the viral claim is false.