Listen to the article
Satellite Image Misidentified as Evidence of Mass Killing in Sudan
A satellite image from Google Earth that went viral on social media as purported evidence of a massacre in Sudan has been conclusively identified as showing livestock gathered around a watering hole, not human bodies.
The image began circulating widely in early November 2025, garnering millions of views across platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Facebook, and Threads. Posts claimed the image showed “the most disturbing google earth image ever” with “piles of human bodies lying in pools of blood in Kumia, Sudan,” urging viewers to “speak on the genocide of Sudan.”
Analysis by multiple open-source intelligence experts and fact-checkers has determined the viral claim to be miscaptioned. The image, which can be found on Google Earth at coordinates 10°57’39″N, 26°24’52″E, shows animals gathered at what appears to be a livestock watering point.
The BBC’s verification team examined the image and concluded it “actually shows cows or other animals at a watering hole.” Their analysis noted that the small objects visible in the image cast shadows in the same direction as nearby structures, indicating they are standing upright on four legs rather than lying flat on the ground as bodies would be.
Nathaniel Raymond, director of the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, confirmed to the BBC that the image depicted cattle, not people. Historical satellite imagery provides further evidence against the massacre claim, as the same site with similar markings and a visible fence appears in Google Earth images dating back to March 2022.
The clearest evidence comes from comparing the Google Earth image with the same location on Apple Maps, where the animals are more clearly identifiable, removing any ambiguity about what the satellite captured.
Benjamin Strick, Director of Investigations at the Centre for Information Resilience, emphasized the importance of context when evaluating satellite imagery. “There are a lot of horrific images, videos and even satellite images you can use to show the horrors that are happening in Sudan. But this is a watering hole and those are animals,” he noted on social media.
Nathan Ruser, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, added that “The scale of murder and massacre by the UAE-backed RSF is unimaginable. But these are cow pens full of cows. The key thing when it comes to interpreting satellite imagery is knowing a ‘normal’ baseline.”
While this particular image has been miscaptioned, experts emphasize that legitimate satellite evidence does exist documenting real atrocities in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. In late October 2025, after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, international observers documented widespread abuses against civilians.
The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab published a detailed analysis identifying “evidence of mass killings including door-to-door clearance operations” based on satellite imagery from El-Fasher. Their report noted that satellite images showed “objects consistent with reported bodies” following the RSF takeover.
The United Nations has condemned what it described as “atrocities” committed during and after El-Fasher’s capture, while the International Criminal Court announced it was monitoring events for possible “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
The spread of this miscaptioned image highlights the challenges of verifying information during ongoing conflicts and the importance of expert analysis when interpreting satellite imagery. While this particular claim proved false, the genuine humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to demand international attention and response.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
18 Comments
Curious to learn more about how the fact-checkers were able to determine this was a livestock watering hole and not a site of mass killings. Their analysis seems thorough.
From the details provided, it seems they looked at factors like shadow direction and the size/distribution of the objects to rule out the initial claims. Rigorous verification is key.
This underscores the importance of not jumping to conclusions based on limited information, even if it appears compelling at first. Rigorous analysis is key to separating fact from fiction.
Absolutely. It’s a good reminder that we must remain vigilant and seek out credible sources when assessing claims, rather than simply reacting to sensational online content.
This is an important lesson in the limitations of satellite imagery as evidence, and the need for expert analysis. I appreciate the diligence shown in getting to the truth of this matter.
Agreed. Satellite data can be a useful tool, but must be interpreted cautiously and in context. The fact-checking process here seems thorough and reliable.
I appreciate the diligent work by the fact-checkers to investigate this claim thoroughly. It’s concerning how quickly misinformation can spread online, so this level of scrutiny is important.
Agreed, fact-checking is crucial to combat the spread of disinformation. Good to see this was properly debunked before it could cause further harm.
Glad to see this fact check debunking the false claim about the Google Earth image. It’s important to verify information, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like alleged atrocities.
Agreed, spreading misinformation can be very harmful. Fact-checking is crucial to avoid further confusion and maintain trust in reporting.
This highlights the need to be skeptical of unverified claims, even if they seem compelling at first glance. I’m glad the actual nature of the satellite image was determined.
Yes, it’s a good lesson in not jumping to conclusions based on limited information. The verification process is essential to separate fact from fiction.
It’s frustrating to see how misinformation can spread so rapidly on social media, even about such serious allegations. I’m glad this was properly investigated and debunked.
Absolutely. The speed at which false claims can circulate online is alarming. Kudos to the fact-checkers for taking the time to carefully examine the evidence.
This is a good example of how satellite imagery can be misinterpreted. It’s a good reminder to be cautious about claims made from visual evidence alone without proper analysis.
Absolutely. Context is key when assessing images, especially those used to allege serious wrongdoing. Glad the experts were able to clarify what this image actually depicts.
Glad to see this viral claim was swiftly debunked through a careful review of the evidence. Fact-checking is essential, especially when sensitive issues are involved.
Definitely. The speed at which misinformation spreads online makes prompt verification all the more critical. Kudos to the team for their diligent work here.