Fact Check: Indian Social Media Spreads Fake Houthi Video Against Pakistan
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic mutual defense agreement on September 16, 2025, in Riyadh. The pact declares that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
This comprehensive defensive agreement strengthens decades-long security partnership between both nations. The deal aims to promote regional peace and joint deterrence against any aggression.
Indian Social Media Campaign Spreads False Claims
After the defense agreement announcement, Indian social media users launched a misleading propaganda campaign. They shared an old video clip claiming to show Houthi officials threatening Pakistan.
Multiple Indian accounts on X (formerly Twitter) spread the fake video on Friday. The posts claimed Houthis warned Pakistan about sending 25,000 troops to Yemen’s border under the new defense deal.
Viral Video Gains Massive Reach
One Indian propaganda account shared the video with photos of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The false post claimed:
- Pakistan deployed 25,000 soldiers at Saudi-Yemen border
- Houthi fighters issued serious threats in response
- They would turn the border into a graveyard for Pakistani troops
The misleading post went viral with over 359,000 views. Numerous Indian accounts reshared the content without verification.
Fact Checkers Expose the Truth
Pakistani fact-checking website “I Verify Pakistan” investigated the claims. They found the video completely unrelated to Pakistan or the recent defense agreement.
The viral video contained no subtitles or translation. AI translation tools revealed the speaker never mentioned Pakistan at all.
Video Shows Gaza Conflict Discussion
Investigation identified the speaker as Houthi spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree. He was discussing Israeli attacks on Gaza, not Pakistan.
His actual words focused on Gaza as a “red line” for Houthis. He warned about targeting enemy objectives if Israeli aggression continued in Gaza.
Old Footage Misused for Propaganda
Reverse image search revealed the video’s true origins:
- Lebanese news channel Al-Mayadeen published it on YouTube May 14, 2024
- Iranian news outlet “Press TV” also released it the same date
- Content discussed Israel-Gaza conflict, not Pakistan issues
- Video predates Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement by four months
Pattern of Disinformation Campaigns
This incident represents a fresh example of false narratives spread in Indian social media circles. The campaign targeted Pakistan with misleading information about regional security matters.
The actual Pakistan-Saudi defense pact significantly strengthens their security partnership amid heightened regional tensions, with Saudi Arabia gaining comprehensive defensive coverage.
Fact-checkers continue monitoring social media for similar disinformation campaigns. Users should verify content before sharing sensitive geopolitical claims.
