Fact Check: Did US helicopters flee Dubai after attacks from Iran?

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Amid Iran’s retaliatory strikes following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a combined operation by the United States and Israel, a video began circulating on social media platforms, claiming to show US helicopters fleeing Dubai after attacks from Iran. Let us analyze the video and fact-check the claim.

Claim: American air fleet fled Dubai after Iran's attack

Following Iran's retaliatory strikes that targeted several US military bases in the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, a video was shared on social media claiming that the US is evacuating its air fleet to flee Dubai amid Iranian airstrikes.

The video shows helicopters flying across the skies of Dubai near the shore. Several users shared the video on X, garnering millions of views.

Fact Check: False, video is unrelated to the ongoing conflict

Although the video is authentic, the claim attributing it to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is false.

A reverse image search for the keyframes of the video led to an Instagram video stating that the clip shows helicopters flying on the UAE’s Day of Solidarity.

A user named Anastacia Snelleksz shared the same video on the platform on January 17, with a caption that read, “Today is the UAE’s Day of Solidarity. A reminder of unity, strength, and collective spirit."

"Watching the fly-past sweep over Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab was one of those uniquely Dubai moments. There’s a lot to appreciate about living in a place that celebrates togetherness alongside progress. #aussieindubai #dubai #uaedayofsolidarity.”

Several videos from that day are available online, proving that the viral claim is false.

US Military reports raising casualties 

The US military said on Monday, March 2, that four American service members have been killed and 18 seriously wounded during ongoing operations.

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) updated the casualty figures after previously reporting three deaths. 

Officials said the fourth service member died from injuries sustained in the initial attack. The casualties are linked to a strike in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury, according to US officials.

The Pentagon said the killed and injured would not be publicly identified until at least 24 hours after their families have been notified, in line with military protocol. 

Officials have not released further operational details about the strike or the broader tactical circumstances.