A video showing individuals in military uniforms sprinting toward a large cargo aircraft has gone viral on social media.
The video is shared with a caption claiming it documents US troops fleeing American military bases in the Gulf following Iranian attacks.
A social media user shared the video with a caption that reads, “BREAKING: US SOLDIERS FLEE BASES - EQUIPMENT, EVACUATED! The moment of American soldiers fleeing from their bases and evacuating equipment to avoid damage. Thank you, Iran, for making the enemy feel unsafe even in its own bases! Scene: American soldiers.”
SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The viral video is of a military training exercise from 2023.
On a Google reverse image search, we found that the same video was shared by a YouTube channel on February 21, 2025, with a caption that reads, “Today’s feature highlights the intense moments of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III scramble takeoff. In a high-speed alert scenario, aircrew rush to their aircraft, rapidly prepping for an emergency departure. This rapid-response drill showcases the Air Force’s readiness to deploy at a moment’s notice, ensuring strategic airlift capabilities for critical missions. The C-17’s ability to take off under pressure reinforces its role in global mobility, delivering troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid whenever and wherever needed.”
Since the video predates the viral claim, we can ascertain that the viral video is old.
We further found that the same video was also shared by a YouTube channel, U.S. Military on May 29, 2025.
The video is shared with a caption that reads, “Emergency Takeoff Alert…!! U.S. Airmen Push C-17 to the Limit for Rapid Takeoff. The C-17 Globemaster III is a cargo aircraft that can perform a rapid succession of takeoffs, which is demonstrated in a Minimum Interval Takeoff. This manoeuvre involves multiple C-17s taxiing in a tight formation to display their coordinated readiness, followed by a series of rapid takeoffs.
The C-17 Globemaster III is operated by the Air Mobility Command and is used to transport cargo and troops to forward and main operating bases. The C-17 is also operated by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command.”
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We also found the full-length original video on the U.S. Defense Department’s DVIDS website. The video is shared with a caption, “Rapid C-17 Globemaster III Takeoff.” It was filmed at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on July 16, 2023.
Moreover, we found no recent reports of a new Iranian attack on US bases. However, on September 20, Iran threatened strikes on regional US bases if Washington launched another bombing campaign.
