As attacks spread after the bombing of Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces, a video circulated widely of crowds peering up at fire, smoke and debris coming from the top of a high-rise building said to be in Bahrain. Social media users claimed an Iranian attack hit the skyscraper.
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Plumes of smoke rise Thursday as strikes hit Tehran during the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Iran.
In the violent aftermath of the killing of cartel leader “El Mecho” by Mexican forces, the internet became flooded with false accounts of violence to stoke fear. Researchers characterized these false reports as a coordinated propaganda campaign by organized crime groups. While a surge of violence did erupt nationwide, online misinformation amplified the events with one claim alleging that assassins had taken over the Guadalajara airport. Other false reports claimed a plane on the runway was on fire and smoke was coming from a church and buildings in the popular tourist city of Puerto Vallarta. Despite being debunked by Reuters, the misleading images were shared extensively online. According to the Mexican government, there were between 200 and 500 troublesome and inaccurate posts, including up to 30 that received over 100,000 views since the operation. Such misinformation often emerges following major news events, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence. Experts noted that in the case of El Mencho’s death, the circulation of fake news was alarmingly speedy, spread not only by unsuspecting users but, in some cases, by the cartel itself. Experts attribute the motive behind this tactic to amplify the perception of the cartel’s retaliatory violence, making it seem more terrifying than it really was.
Photos show global reaction to US and Israeli strikes
Demonstrators gather Saturday in Los Angeles in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
A demonstrator marching in support of regime change in Iran reacts Saturday in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, to unconfirmed reports that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Shiite Muslims hold placards and chant slogans Saturday in Lahore, Pakistan, during a protest against the U.S. and Israel, and to show solidarity with Iran.
People attend a demonstration Saturday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany, in support of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iranian people attend a demonstration Saturday in Berlin, Germany, in support of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
A woman holds up a placard with images of President Donald Trump and some of his Cabinet members Saturday in New York during a protest against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
People march Saturday in New York during a protest against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
A protester holds a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday at a bridge leading to the fortified Green Zone where the U.S. Embassy is located in Baghdad, Iraq, during a protest against U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.
People attend a demonstration in support of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany.
People demonstrate Saturday in New York during a protest against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Protesters march in support of regime change in Iran during a demonstration Saturday in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.
Iranian people attend a demonstration Saturday in Berlin, Germany, in support of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
A protester holds a crown Saturday in London after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iran.
A protester wears a mask Saturday during a rally in London after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iran.
Iranian people attend a demonstration Saturday in front of the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, in support of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
People protest Saturday in New York against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
National Guard members watch Saturday as people demonstrate near the White House in Washington during a protest against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Demonstrators hug Saturday in Los Angeles as they march in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
A demonstrator waves Iranian flags Saturday in Los Angeles in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
People attend a protest Saturday in New York against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Two people embrace Saturday in Los Angeles during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
People who support the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran rally Saturday near the White House in Washington.
A demonstrator holds a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday at a bridge leading to the fortified Green Zone, where the U.S. Embassy is located in Baghdad, Iraq, during a protest against U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.
People chant slogans Saturday outside a NATO base in Izmir, Turkey, as they protest against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Protesters gather Saturday in London after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iran.
Iranian people attend a demonstration Saturday in front of the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, in support of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
