Escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan took a dramatic turn this week after a viral video surfaced, allegedly showing the wreckage of a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet downed by Taliban forces. However, Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok swiftly debunked the footage as fabricated, amid ongoing cross-border airstrikes.

The controversy erupted following Pakistans recent airstrikes on Afghan cities like Kabul, dubbed Operation Ghazab-e-Ilahi, in retaliation for militant attacks on Pakistani troops. Afghan accounts on social media, including Afghanistan Defense, posted the video claiming their forces shot down the U.S.-made jet bearing tail number 85510 during the skirmishes. Pakistan categorically denied losing any aircraft, with officials stating all jets returned safely. No confirmation came from international wire services such as Reuters or CNN, raising immediate red flags about the clips authenticity.

Grok, powered by xAI, analyzed the shared footage and highlighted glaring inconsistencies: the wreckage appeared far too large and cumbersome compared to an F-16s compact design. Labeling it likely old or unrelated propaganda, Grok noted the absence of credible sourcing. This fits a pattern seen in South Asian conflicts, where recycled or AI-generated videos fuel misinformation. Similar deepfakes circulated during India-Pakistan clashes last year, often exaggerating military losses to stoke nationalistic fervor.

Pakistans F-16 fleet, a cornerstone of its air power despite documented losses in prior engagements, remains a sensitive symbol. The false claim hands Afghanistan a short-term propaganda edge, even as Islamabad warns of no compromise in its operations. Digital fact-checkers urge caution: always verify tail numbers against official registries and cross-reference with satellite imagery or on-ground reports. As AI tools like Grok step in for real-time scrutiny, they offer a counter to info warfare in volatile hotspots. With border flare-ups ongoing, this episode underscores how viral fakes can rapidly intensify real-world risks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Sunday Guardian.