No Reports of Princess Salma Shooting Down Iranian Drones
The Claim
The daughter of the King of Jordan was the pilot of the operation to shoot down the drones of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
News posted on
Emerging story
Several social media accounts have recently circulated news claiming to document Princess Salma, daughter of King Abdullah II of Jordan, intercepting six Iranian drones en route to Israel.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be fake, as the photo in the news was fabricated. Misbar did not find any reliable reports of Princess Salma participating in the recent shooting down of Iranian drones en route to Israel.
Princess Salma Leads an Air Force Initiative to Airlift Medical Supplies Into Gaza
The original photo dates back to an article published in 'Emirates Woman' magazine on December 15, 2023, entitled 'Princess Salma of Jordan leads air force initiative to airdrop medical supplies into Gaza.'
It turns out that the photo of Princess Salma in the article was published by the official account of the Royal Hashemite Court on Instagram, on her birthday, September 26, 2022.
According to the Jordanian News Agency, the Jordanian Armed Forces carried out a fifth airdrop of urgent medical materials and supplies using parachutes to the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza on December 14, 2023. The plane crew was accompanied by Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, who is a first lieutenant and pilot in the Armed Royal Forces.
Jordan Intercepts Drones and Missiles in Jordanian Airspace
A few hours after the start of the Iranian attack on Israel, in response to the bombing of Tehran’s consulate in Damascus, the Jordanian government reported on Sunday, April 14, that it had dealt with 'some flying objects' that entered the country’s airspace the previous night, referring to the drones and missiles launched by Iran against Israel.
The Council of Ministers stated that the Jordanian Armed Forces and security services would confront 'anything that could expose the security and safety of the nation, its citizens, and the sanctity of its airspace and lands to any danger or transgression by any party whatsoever.'
On the other hand, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that it had summoned the Iranian ambassador to Jordan and conveyed a message about 'the necessity of stopping the insults and questioning of Jordan’s positions.' Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi reported that "offensive statements had been made by the Iranian media, including the official Iranian news agency," after Jordan intercepted the Iranian drones.
In the same context, Al-Safadi said, "Iran’s problem is with Israel, not with Jordan, and neither Iran nor anyone else can compete with or question what Jordan is doing, what Jordan is offering, and what it has historically provided for Palestine."
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