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Misleading posts that utilise video footage from other countries are widely observed across social media platforms. Below is a fact-checking analysis we conducted regarding one such video.
Social Media Posts
A video was circulating on social media with the caption, “The work of our heroes in Diyathalawa.”
We took steps to verify the veracity of this video, which was purported to be a presentation by Sri Lankan war heroes at the Diyatalawa Army Camp.
Fact Check
We checked to see if any mainstream media outlets in the country had published a video of such a military display or training being held at the Diyatalawa Army Camp, but we were unable to find any such video.
A close look at the video circulating on social media reveals that the uniforms and insignia of the military officers depicted in the video do not resemble the uniforms of the Sri Lankan military. Turkish national flag with a white crescent moon and star on a red background can be clearly seen on the sleeves of the uniforms of the military officers depicted in the video.
The uniforms worn by the military officers in the video can be identified as those used by the Turkish Special Forces or Gendarmerie. The letters on the back of the uniforms of the military officers in the video confirm that the video is not a video featuring the Sri Lankan Army. The letters “1’NCİ J.EĞT. ALAY K.LIĞI” in the video indicate that the video belongs to the Gendarmerie (Turkey’s internal security military force). The video is available to view.
A demonstration by a group of soldiers from the Gendarmerie Training Regiment Command Headquarters in Turkey
Accordingly, we examined the footage using a reverse image search tool and confirmed that it was posted on a Turkish YouTube channel on December 27, 2025. The video contains footage of a military parade conducted by the Turkish army. “The Turkish military training, through its rigorous discipline, rigorous physical preparation, and strong teamwork, shapes soldiers into skilled defenders. It fosters unity, courage, and dedication. Individuals come together to form an unbreakable force built on honor, loyalty, and strength,” the video said. The video is available here.
Here is a post on LinkedIn stating the video in question is a video featuring officers from the Turkish Gendarmerie Training Regiment.
The video was circulated on social media, describing it as “military training in Turkey”.
Here is a note published by the Turkish media regarding the Turkish soldiers, which includes the relevant video.
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Conclusion
Our investigation indicates that the video being shared as footage of a demonstration held at the Diyatalawa military camp in Sri Lanka is actually footage of a demonstration held by a group of soldiers belonging to the Gendarmerie Training Regiment Command Headquarters in Turkey.
Title: Did This Video Show Sri Lankan War Heroes at Diyatalawa?
Fact Check By: Fact Crescendo Team
Result: Misleading
