With the rise of social media and generative AI, how much of what we see online is true? In this series, SCMP Fact-Check, the South China Morning Post investigates claims circulating online and debunks viral misinformation impacting the daily lives of Hongkongers.

A video circulating online amid the US-Israel war on Iran falsely claims to show a downed American pilot captured alive by Iranians.

“Iranians Captured F35 Pilot alive,” read the caption of a Facebook reel.

Advertisement

The video appeared to show a man being apprehended by two others in an open field.

A screenshot showing scenes from the video with lines drawn through by the SCMP. Photo: Handout/SCMP
A screenshot showing scenes from the video with lines drawn through by the SCMP. Photo: Handout/SCMP
The reel was shared after Iran shot down an American F-15E fighter jet on April 3, with two United States airmen later being rescued.

Advertisement