Claim: Two viral images allegedly depicting an Israeli attack on Beirut airport have been circulating on social media. One image shows a plane landing at the airport amid reported Israeli fire, while another claims to depict a passenger airliner at the same location.
Fact: Both images are not real; they were generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Details:
- Image Analysis:
- The first image supposedly shows an airplane landing with illuminated windows in the foreground. However, on closer inspection, the frames appear irregular, a common trait of AI-generated visuals. Notably, the aircraft’s nose is shorter than real models flown by Middle East Airlines (MEA), which operates Airbus A320, A330, and A321 aircraft, all with longer noses than depicted. Additionally, the airline’s logo on the tail in the AI image does not match the actual logo, and the aircraft lights shown do not conform to international standards, as per aviation regulations.
- AI Detection:
- An analysis using the AI detection tool from Truemedia.org identified “substantial evidence of manipulation” in both images, confirming they were generated rather than captured in reality.
- The Second Image:
- The second image also exhibits multiple flaws typical of AI-generated content, such as irregularly arranged windows on the airport building and oddly positioned landing gear on the aircraft.
- Misleading Spread:
- Despite their artificial nature, these images have spread widely across various platforms, including Threads, Reddit, Telegram, Instagram, and X. Reputable media outlets, including CNN Turk, have also mistakenly published these fakes, underscoring the ongoing challenges in verifying content in the current information landscape.
- Context of Real Attacks:
- While these specific images are fake, they do not negate the reality of actual Israeli military actions. Earlier reports confirmed genuine attacks on targets near Beirut airport around the same time as the circulation of these images.
Verdict: False.
Conclusion
The images claiming to show an Israeli attack on Beirut airport are AI-generated and not real photographs. They contribute to the larger issue of misinformation and manipulated media in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.