ABC News apologizes for broadcasting fake video of bombings in Syria

The video is reportedly from Knob Creek Gun Range in West Point, Kentucky.

OCTOBER 15, 2019 13:16

Smoke rises near the border town of Tel Abyad, Syria, October 12, 2019 (photo credit: REUTERS/KHALIL ASHAWI/FILE PHOTO) — Smoke rises near the border town of Tel Abyad, Syria, October 12, 2019

(photo credit: REUTERS/KHALIL ASHAWI/FILE PHOTO)

ABC News has apologized for airing a video that it claimed to be Turkey's military bombing Kurdish civilians in Syria. The video is reportedly from Knob Creek Gun Range in West Point, Kentucky and, according to Fox News, is identical to a video entitled “Knob Creek night shoot 2017.”

The clip was broadcast during Sunday's ABC World News Tonight hosted by Tom Llamas.

On Monday, ABC World News and Good Morning America tweeted: "CORRECTION: We’ve taken down video that aired on “World News Tonight" Sunday and “Good Morning America” this morning that appeared to be from the Syrian border immediately after questions were raised about its accuracy. ABC News regrets the error."

CORRECTION: We’ve taken down video that aired on “World News Tonight" Sunday and “Good Morning America” this morning that appeared to be from the Syrian border immediately after questions were raised about its accuracy. ABC News regrets the error.— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) October 14, 2019
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 14, 2019

An ABC News spokesman also told it to the far-Right news and opinion website Mediaite.

The network has launched an investigation into the incident, according to The Washington Times. The clip has been removed from the network's YouTube page and from its website.