Fake news claims thousands killed by nuclear bomb in Syria
It’s not true that Israel dropped a nuclear bomb in Syria, killing thousands. A website called exclusive103.com shared that false story based on legitimate reports of strikes in Syria.
“Thousands killed as Israel drops tactical nuclear bomb on Syria,” said the headline of an April 30 post on exclusive103.com.
The story claimed an Israeli plane “dropped the first nuclear bomb deployed in armed conflict since the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, according to local reports.” The post said the nuclear attack targeted an ammunitions depot in Hama, Syria, and created a 2.6-magnitude earthquake.
Exclusive103.com’s About Us section says it is “your gallant news out-let that informs you all you needs to know about daily worldwide breaking news.” The stories on the website are ridiculous and untrue.
Facebook users flagged the April 30 post as being potentially fabricated, as part of the social media network’s efforts to combat online hoaxes.
Legitimate news outlets, including NBC News and the New York Times, on April 30 reported on missile strikes (not a nuclear bomb) in Hama with explosions powerful enough to cause a 2.6-magnitude earthquake. The strikes targeted an arms depot for ground-to-ground missiles, NBC News and other outlets reported.
Media reports said that while the death toll varied, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 26 people were killed (not thousands).
Israel was the presumed attacker, but there was no official confirmation from the Israeli government. “Israel’s military does not comment on individual attacks in Syria, and a spokesman declined to comment on Sunday’s attack, most likely because if Israel claimed responsibility it could put pressure on Iranian leaders to strike back,” the New York Times reported.
Exclusive103.com distorted information about strikes in Syria to falsely claim thousands were killed because of a nuclear bomb.
We rate exclusive103.com’s post Pants on Fire!
PolitiFact Rating: 
Our Sources
Exclusive103.com, Thousands killed as Israel Drops Tactical Nuclear Bomb On Syria, April 30, 2018
NBC News, Israel eyed after attack in Hama, Syria, reportedly kills Iranians, April 30, 2018
New York Times, Missile Attack in Syria Reportedly Kills at Least 16, Raising Regional Tensions, April 30, 2018
Washington Post, Suspected Israeli strikes hit Iran-linked targets in Syria, escalating regional tensions, April 30, 2018
