Tensions are escalating between the United States and Iran. The ceasefire that took effect on April 8 is also set to end on April 22. Meanwhile, a video has been circulating on social media showing soldiers on a ship at sea taking several attackers into custody. Along with this video, it is being claimed that China demonstrated its support for Iran by arresting attackers who were firing at an Iranian ship.
Sharing the video, a user named Tanvir Rangrez wrote: “BREAKING 20/04/2026: China’s prowess at sea. Dusting off the ‘strangers’ who attacked the Iranian ship, China proves its friendship. While bullets were being showered on the Iranian ship amid the ocean waves, the Chinese army arrived as a ‘Messiah’! When some unknown attackers surrounded the Iranian ship and began firing, nearby Chinese forces noticed the situation and intervened. They not only freed the ship from the miscreants but also dealt with them effectively. China has proven that it stands with Iran in difficult times.” (English Translation)
Fact Check:
The DFRAC team found during its investigation that the viral video does not show China arresting attackers who fired on an Iranian ship. In reality, the video is from the joint exercise Lamitiye 2026 conducted between India and Seychelles. The same video was found on several YouTube channels, including those of India Today and Times Now. The accompanying information confirms that it is from the 11th edition of the joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’ between the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
Additional details were also shared on the Facebook page of Republic Bharat: “In the 11th edition of LAMITIYE 2026, held in Seychelles from March 9 to 20, the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) conducted joint exercises focusing on semi-urban and maritime security. Advanced drills included the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre, cordon and search operations, precision assault, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure). On Praslin Island, a 72-hour high-intensity phase demonstrated joint capability and coordination through amphibious operations, UAV surveillance, and coordinated raids.”(English Translation)
According to an official press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB): “The Indian Navy’s INS Trikand, along with personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), participated in the first tri-service edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026. This marked the Indian Navy’s first-ever participation in the exercise. During the harbour phase, VBSS training, including joint boarding exercises, was conducted. This was followed by the sea phase, during which the ship operated alongside SCGS Le Vigilant, and a joint boarding operation was carried out at sea by Indian Navy Marine Commandos and SDF Special Forces. Subsequently, troops from the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces conducted a landing on Praslin Island. Senior officials, including Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces of the SDF, and Brigadier Jean Attala, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, were present onboard INS Trikand during the sea phase to observe the exercise.”
Meanwhile, information about the joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’ was also shared by the official X (formerly Twitter) handles of the Indian Army’s ADGPI and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
Conclusion:
DFRAC’s fact-check makes it clear that the viral video does not depict China arresting attackers firing on an Iranian ship. Instead, it shows a joint military exercise conducted between India and Seychelles. Therefore, the claim being circulated on social media is misleading.
