Fact Check: Does the video show a US Black Hawk helicopter being shot down by Iran?
TEHRAN, IRAN: Following the reports of US Black Hawk helicopters being under fire during a rescue mission in Iran, a video began circulating on social media platforms claiming to show one of the helicopters being shot down from the sky, sparking panic and concerns, with many questioning the video’s authenticity. Let us analyse and fact-check the viral video.
Claim: Iran shoots down a Black Hawk helicopter
The video shows a helicopter in the sky smoking as it falls and being engulfed in flames, while the pilot ejects from it.
The video is shared with the claim that both rescue helicopters were shot down by the Iranian forces, and claims to show the second one being struck while participating in a search-and-rescue operation of a US fighter jet pilot who was targeted and struck by Iranian forces.
Fact Check: The video is from Syria, not related to the ongoing conflict
However, the video does not show the Black Hawk helicopter being shot down by Iran; rather, it is from the year 2020. Originating from Syria, the incident involved a Syrian military helicopter being shot down.
According to an article by NBC News, a video recorded by Islamist militants in Idlib province demonstrates the sight of a burning wreckage of a helicopter belonging to the Assad regime descending through the sky.
Moreover, even though the helicopters were hit by Iranian fire, wounding the crew on board, the damage was minor, and they landed safely at their destination after rescuing one of the fighter pilots, while the search for the missing pilot is still ongoing.
US fighter jet was shot down over Iran, one pilot rescued
A US fighter jet has been downed over Iran, with one pilot rescued by American forces, according to a US official.
The two-seater aircraft is believed to have been shot down on Friday, April 3, and a search operation is ongoing for others on board.
The incident follows reports from Iranian state media claiming responsibility for the strike. The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
The rescue operation was launched after hours of reports from Iranian state media.
US officials said efforts were ongoing to locate any remaining personnel associated with the aircraft. The Pentagon and the White House did not immediately comment on the Iranian claims.
Additional reports from Iranian state television suggested that a US pilot ejected over a rural area in southwestern Iran.
