Second, identify the target.
Who are they supposedly attacking?
If the story never clearly answers this question, that is a warning sign.
Third, look for official confirmation.
Major military operations cannot easily be hidden. Governments, defense ministries and international organizations would normally provide statements or other evidence.
Fourth, check multiple independent news organizations.
A major international conflict would not normally appear exclusively on an obscure website while the world's major newsrooms remain silent.
Finally, check the date.
Old stories and images are frequently republished as if they were new. A development from months or years ago can suddenly go viral after being presented without context.
What we can actually say
The verified picture is more complicated than the viral headline.
Countries around the world are strengthening military partnerships.
European governments are increasing defense preparedness in response to the changed security environment created by the war in Ukraine.
Middle Eastern and international governments are concerned about the safety of shipping routes.
