BBC Verify Unpacks Global Conflicts and Digital Deception

In an era where distinguishing fact from fiction is increasingly complex, the specialists at BBC Verify are at the forefront of tackling disinformation, verifying video evidence, and fact-checking claims from around the globe. This week's investigations span from the frontlines of Sudan and Ukraine to the deceptive world of AI-generated content.

Sudan Executioner Arrested After Video Evidence Surfaces

Following the capture of the key Sudanese city of el-Fasher by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), graphic videos emerged showing extreme acts of violence. BBC Verify documented these scenes, identifying a man known as Abu Lulu in footage where he gunned down multiple unarmed people. In the wake of this investigation, the RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for over two years, announced an investigation into “violations” committed by its soldiers.

Shortly after, the RSF media arm released footage showing Abu Lulu's arrest. He was filmed being transported under heavy guard to the Shala Prison on the western edge of el-Fasher. Using satellite imagery and analysis of shadows in the video, the Verify team determined he was placed in a solitary block around 4 p.m. local time.

Further investigation using satellite imagery from provider Vantor revealed burnt vehicles northwest of the city, corroborating earlier videos that showed blackened vehicles, bodies on the ground, and RSF fighters in the same location. It remains unclear if the victims were civilians, though many appeared to be in civilian clothing.

In a related development, TikTok confirmed to BBC Verify that it has banned an account that documented Abu Lulu’s activities. The account was removed for violating the platform’s guidelines on violent and criminal behaviors. You can explore the full analysis from BBC Verify here.

Combating AI Fakes and Manipulated Media

Disinformation is not limited to conflict zones. A viral video appearing to show a woman admitting to fraudulently selling US government-issued food vouchers for profit was proven to be an AI-generated fake. The clip, which gathered millions of views, claimed she received over $2,500 a month in food stamps and sold them for cash.

The tell-tale sign was a blurred watermark in the corner, a common tactic to hide the digital signature of text-to-video AI generators. An unblurred watermark for Sora, by OpenAI, appeared later in the footage. The TikTok account that posted it also included "#AI" in the caption. Furthermore, the claim itself was highly improbable, as food assistance for a family of four averages just $715 per month, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

In another instance, a heavily edited video claiming to show President Vladimir Putin discussing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions was denounced as "100% fake" by the Russian Embassy in Islamabad. The clip, which used a Persian voice-over to falsely claim Putin was threatening Pakistan, was found to be looped footage from a meeting on an entirely different subject.

On the Ground Truth: Verifying Strikes in Ukraine and Russia

BBC Verify has also been actively analyzing footage from the war in Ukraine. Two videos were verified showing explosions at a power plant in the Russian city of Oryol following a reported Ukrainian drone attack. The team geolocated the footage by matching landmarks like railway tracks and a distinctive red and white tower in CCTV footage to satellite photos. A second video was pinpointed by matching apartment blocks to an aerial panoramic photo on Yandex Maps.

One of the key challenges is determining if multiple videos show the same event. A dramatic video of a drone strike in Sumy, Ukraine, initially appeared to be a different angle of a strike verified just last week. However, closer analysis revealed crucial differences. The flight paths of the drones were different, and the points of impact were 60m apart. Local authorities later confirmed the analysis, proving what seemed to be one attack was actually two separate incidents.

Data-Driven Reporting on Global Events

Beyond video verification, the team provides crucial data-driven context to major world events.

Gaza Hostage Update: As of Thursday night, after Hamas returned the remains of two hostages, the bodies of 11 deceased hostages are still held inside Gaza. Since the attacks of October 7, 2023, a dedicated team has been tracking the status of all 255 hostages. The current breakdown is:

• 160 live hostages and the remains of 25 deceased hostages have been returned.
• The bodies of 51 hostages have been recovered in Israeli military operations.
• 8 hostages have been rescued alive by Israeli soldiers.

Jamaica Hurricane Damage: After Hurricane Melissa, BBC Verify has been assessing footage and satellite imagery from the town of Black River, described by the Prime Minister as Jamaica's "ground zero" for damage.