A set of viral videos making rounds on social media are falsely being shared as footage of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets attacking India under Operation Bunyan Al Marsous. However, a fact-check reveals that these videos are not real and have no connection to the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan.
Multiple social media users claimed that the videos showed Pakistani airstrikes in retaliation against India, using footage of fighter jets dropping missiles and causing destruction. The posts implied these were visuals of Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Al Marsous.
Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the viral clips are actually from a video game simulation — ARMA 3, a well-known military simulator frequently misused in misinformation campaigns due to its realistic graphics.
A reverse image search of key frames from the videos led to YouTube and Instagram posts dating back to early January 2025. One such YouTube video clearly identified the visuals as part of “Military Simulation ARMA 3.” The same jet models, explosion patterns, and terrain could be seen in both the viral and original simulation videos.
Additionally, no credible Indian or Pakistani news outlets have reported such airstrike footage. The absence of authentic confirmation further discredits the viral claim.
False Claim: The videos do not show Pakistani F-16s attacking India.
Reality: The footage is from the ARMA 3 video game simulation and is being misrepresented online.
As always, viewers are urged to verify facts before sharing sensitive content, especially during volatile geopolitical situations.
(Source: X/Screenshot)
