Nagrota, Udhampur air bases attacked? PIB says old & digitally-altered videos being shared

The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) fact-check unit debunked a series of viral videos that falsely claim Pakistan has launched attacks on Indian Air Force bases in Udhampur and Nagrota air bases in Jammu and Kashmir.It clarified that the videos showcasing the damage were old and unrelated to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.In a video, broadcast on Pakistani channel 'AIK News', alleged that the Udhampur Air Base had been “destroyed.” The clip was widely circulated on social media, spreading panic among citizens.However, the PIB Fact Check team clarified that the footage in question is not linked to any military action. “The video being shared is from a fire incident at a chemical factory in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. It has nothing to do with the current India–Pakistan situation,” the bureau posted on X.Another viral clip doing the rounds claimed to show an attack on the Nagrota Air Base. However, this, too, was reported fake by the agency, clarifying that this was originally posted on Instagram back in October 2024.“There is a clear attempt to spread panic by circulating misleading visuals. Users are strongly advised not to fall for such disinformation,” the PIB warned.The government's fact checking agency also informed that the recent surge in fake news on the social media feeds is not accidental, rather Pakistan’s propaganda network trying to manipulate Indian citizens.“Beware of suspicious videos related to Indian Armed Forces or the ongoing situation. These are key tools of malicious manipulation.”It urged people to stay alert and informed asking them to verify information before sharing and forwarding.“Forwarding unverified or misleading content can do more harm than good.”There has been a wave of misinformation on social media platforms since the tensions between the two nations escalated. From fake alerts urging people to disable location services, to baseless claims about the destruction of an S-400 air defence system and rumours of a 70% nationwide power grid collapse, among other rumors have been circulating online.These tensions arose after India’s precision strikes on terror camps at 9 terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7. The defence, called Operation Sindoor, was India’s response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has been actively working to flag and debunk these misleading narratives. The agency continues to urge the public to cross-check information with official sources before sharing or believing anything they come across.