Fact Check: Video from 2018 falsely peddled as Shia-Sunni riot in Lebanon after Nasrallah’s killing
NewsMeter found that the claim is false. The video is from 2018 and is not linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
By Md Mahfooz Alam Published on 30 Sep 2024 2:39 PM GMT
Claim: The video shows a riot between the Shia-Sunni communities after a Hezbollah leader's reported killing in Lebanon.
Fact: The claim is false. The video is from 2018 and is not linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Hyderabad: Hezbollah confirmed the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, following Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Against this backdrop, a video circulating on social media shows several motorcycles, cars and people involved in a street brawl. The accompanying claim suggests a riot between the Shia-Sunni communities after Nasrallah’s reported killing.
An X user shared the video and wrote, “Shia-Sunni riots have started in Lebanon... Sunni Muslims now... Shia Muslims who support Hezbollah are beating them up and driving them away from their area... Due to Israeli attacks, many equations are changing…”
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is false. The video is from 2018 and is not linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Upon conducting a reverse image search, we found an Arabic article published on May 8, 2018.
It reported that tensions erupted in Beirut, Lebanon, following the results of the May 2018 Parliamentary elections. Supporters of Hezbollah and Amal organised sectarian parades through the Sunni and Christian-majority areas, chanting provocative slogans.
This led to clashes between residents and the groups, escalating into street violence. Security forces intervened to prevent further escalation. The events were reminiscent of similar tensions in May 2008 when Hezbollah sought to assert political influence after electoral gains.
Yafa News reported the incident on May 8, 2018. According to the report, tensions erupted in Beirut following a breakthrough for Hezbollah and Amal in the 2018 Parliamentary elections. Convoys of Hezbollah and Amal Movement supporters moved through several areas, chanting sectarian slogans, leading to sectarian unrest in the city.
Another media outlet, DD-Sunnah also reported the incident on May 8, 2018, with the same details.
Hence, we conclude that the video is from 2018 and does not show a Shia-Sunni members clash in the aftermath of Nasrallah’s killing.
