An infographic attributed to the Cable News Network (CNN) about the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has gone viral on social media.
About the graphic: The graphic aimed to show that India suffered more losses than Pakistan in the conflict.
It noted that India lost six jets (two Rafales and an S-400 air defence system), 553 drones, 11 airbases, 21 soldiers and 19 civilians. Whereas, Pakistan lost three air bases, 78 drones, 13 civilians, 1 soldier and zero jet or tank losses.
What we found: At first, we ran a relevant keyword search to find if CNN had published any such infographic, however, did not find anything like this on their website or social media platforms.
Upon running a Google reverse image search on the viral visual, we were led to this report by the CNN, titled, "India strikes deep inside Pakistan, Pakistan claims 5 Indian jets shot down, in major escalation"
In the report, it quoted Pakistani military sources later who said that "they shot down five Indian Air Force jets and one drone in “self-defense,” claiming three Rafale jets – sophisticated multi-role fighters made in France – were among those downed as well as a MiG-29 and an SU-30 fighter." (sic.)
However, later, it noted that news agency, AFP published images which showed aircraft wreckage.
CNN mentioned that it could not 'independently' verify this claim.
Nowhere in this report did CNN state that it reported about any losses suffered by India.
The Quint reached out to the news outlet for their comment. The outlet's spokesperson responded saying, "This image is fabricated. CNN at no point reported this information."
India's response on alleged losses: At a press conference on 11 May, the Indian military neither confirmed nor denied losing fighter jets during the recent conflict with Pakistan, reported The Quint.
Air Marshal AK Bharti stated that “losses are a part of combat” but emphasised the mission's success in eliminating terrorist camps.
Bharti avoided sharing specific details, citing security reasons and the ongoing nature of operations. He assured that all Indian pilots had returned and that revealing further information could benefit the adversary.
These questions arose following reports by international news outlets like Reuters and The New York Times stating anonymous sources, that India lost at least two aircraft, including a Rafale, in the ongoing conflict.
Conclusion: We found no credible evidence to prove that the CNN published the viral infographic that claims India suffered heavy losses against Pakistan in the recent conflict.
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