Video Does Not Show American F-15 Pilot Captured by Iran in 2026; Footage Actually From Iraq in 1991

In a case of mistaken historical context, a viral video purporting to show a recently captured American F-15 pilot in Iran has been identified as decades-old footage from the first Gulf War, not a current event as social media posts suggest.

The video began circulating on Facebook in early April 2026, posted by an account under the name Mustapha Mohammed Gembu with the provocative caption: “The hunter got hunted! The captured pilot.” The timing of the post coincided with reports of an American F-15 fighter jet being shot down during operations over Iranian airspace, creating the impression of current events.

In the footage, a captured military officer identifies himself as Col. David William Eberly of the United States and confirms he had been flying an F-15 aircraft. However, fact-checkers have determined this video actually shows Col. Eberly after his capture by Iraqi forces in 1991, not during any recent military engagement with Iran.

Historical records from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum clearly document Col. Eberly’s military service, including his capture during Operation Desert Storm. According to the museum’s archives, Eberly deployed to Southwest Asia in August 1990 as part of the allied coalition during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served as Director of Operations of the 4th Fighter Wing (Provisional), flying F-15E missions from bases in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The historical record states that on the fourth night of the air campaign against Iraq, Eberly’s aircraft was shot down. After evading capture for three nights, he was finally apprehended near the Syrian border. As the senior allied prisoner of war in Iraqi custody, he remained captive until his release on March 5, 1991, when the conflict concluded.

Military analysts note that the recycling of historical war footage to create false narratives about current conflicts has become increasingly common in today’s digital media landscape. This practice is particularly prevalent during periods of heightened international tensions, when public interest in military affairs peaks.

“Mislabeled archival footage is one of the most common forms of misinformation during military conflicts,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Hoffman, a professor of media studies specializing in wartime propaganda. “The emotional impact of seeing captured soldiers makes these videos particularly effective at generating engagement, regardless of their accuracy.”

As of the time of reporting, there is no evidence that any American pilots or crew members are currently being held as prisoners in Iran. The U.S. Department of Defense has not released any statements confirming the loss of aircraft or personnel in Iranian territory.

The circulation of this mislabeled footage highlights the challenges of information verification in an era of rapid social media sharing. When historical content is stripped of its original context and presented as current events, it can contribute to public misunderstanding of complex geopolitical situations.

Media literacy experts recommend that viewers exercise caution when encountering dramatic military footage on social media platforms, particularly during periods of international tension. Checking multiple reliable sources before sharing such content can help prevent the spread of historical footage misrepresented as breaking news.

The original video of Col. Eberly remains an important historical document of the 1991 Gulf War, documenting the experiences of American prisoners of war during that conflict. However, its mischaracterization as current events serves as a reminder of how easily historical records can be manipulated to create false impressions about present-day military engagements.