Is Bathinda Airfield Really Destroyed? PIB Debunks Viral Misinformation!

Government Responds to Misinformation

New Delhi: On Saturday, the government refuted claims circulating on social media platforms in Pakistan that the Bathinda airfield had been destroyed.

A fact-check by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed that these allegations were being artificially propagated and reassured that Bathinda airfield remains fully operational and undamaged.

In a statement on X, the PIB remarked, "Viral claims about Bathinda on social media! Posts are being artificially spread, asserting that Bathinda Airfield has been destroyed! #PIBFactCheck Fake alert! The Bathinda Airfield is fully operational, and there is no damage whatsoever. Don’t fall for misinformation. Stay informed, stay alert."

Furthermore, the PIB addressed an old video that was misrepresented as evidence of a missile strike on New Delhi Airport. This widely shared clip falsely claimed that a heavy missile had hit the airport.

The fact-check revealed that the footage actually showed a gas station explosion in Aden, Yemen, dating back to August 2024.

The PIB’s post on X clarified, "Missile attack on Delhi Airport? An old video is being falsely shared as footage of a missile strike on New Delhi Airport. #PIBFactCheck This video shows a gas station explosion in Aden, Yemen, from August 2024. It has no connection to the current India-Pakistan situation."

Additionally, the PIB provided a YouTube link to the original video.

The PIB has urged the public to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing.

Earlier in the day, the PIB also fact-checked several other viral posts, identifying them as fake and misleading.

One such post claimed that an Indian pilot had ejected from a fighter jet over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"Indian Pilot Ejected Over PoK? Here’s the Truth! Posts on social media claim that an Indian pilot ejected from a fighter jet over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). #PIBFactCheck This claim is FAKE. Don’t fall for misinformation. Always verify before sharing," PIB stated in a post on X.

The PIB also included the report from which the image was sourced.

PIB fact-checkers confirmed that numerous videos and images being circulated are unrelated to the current military situation.