Fact-Check: A Helicopter Shot Down in Syria Claimed It Happened in Myanmar

Myanmar has plunged into chaos and violent crackdown since the coupe ousted the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February this year. Then many photos, videos, and claims have been circulated on social media by Facebook users including Cambodians.

As Myanmar is in turmoil, a Facebook user claimed Kachin armed forces shot down one of the junta military helicopters. The claim has been shared many times by Khmer-speaking social media users along with a mixture of comments and reactions. After running Google Reverse Image, however, it proves the claim is false.

Social Media Claim

A Facebook user posted three photos showing a man in military uniform and holding a weapon and explosion in the sky. The social media user claimed Kachin armed forces in Myanmar shot down a helicopter of the junta’s military who has taken control of the country since the coupe in February this year.

The claim with photos has been virally shared by Khmer-speaking social media users along with a mixture of comments and reactions.

Below is a capture of the claim read: “Breaking news: On April 20, 2021, Kachin armed soldiers shot down a warring helicopter of Min Aung Hlaing-led military, leaving a big explosion in the sky. This is a sin against Min Aung Hlaing’s junta. This totalitarian regime would collapse soon.”

Facebook Post | Archived Link

Fact Check

Fact Crescendo Cambodia began the investigation into the claim by running Google Reverse Image, leading to find out the same photos and their exact information.

The photos were published in a report of an Iraqi media Kurdistan24, saying a helicopter was shot down in Syria in February 2020. Below is a capture of Kurdistan24’s report about the incident. The full article can be read here or archived file here.

The media reported the Syrian military’s helicopter was shot down near Aleppo, a city located about 360km to the north of Damascus.

Kurdistan24 | Archived Link

The incident was also reported by international media including U.K-based media Telegraph and Russian media Russian Today (RT), saying it happened on February 11 in 2020. The full article can be read here or archived file here.

Telegraph | Archived Link

Conclusion

Fact Crescendo Cambodia found out the photo along with claim mentioned above is false. These photos are not related to chaos in Myanmar. The images show a Syrian military helicopter exploded in the sky near Aleppo city after hitting with a rocket fired by armed force rebels.