TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of posts circulating on Facebook [archive] and TikTok claim that the United States (US) is sending additional Marine Corps troops to the Middle East. The figures cited vary, ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 personnel.
These posts include images of warships transporting rows of soldiers. “Tensions in the Middle East are rising again. The United States is reportedly deploying around 5,000 Marines to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil trade routes,” reads the circulating caption.
Is it true that the United States sent thousands of Marines to the Strait of Hormuz as shown in these images?
FACT CHECK
Tempo verified this content using Google reverse image search and other credible sources. The results show that the United States did indeed deploy Marine forces to the Middle East. However, the series of photos circulating online were identified as a hoax and not footage of actual events.
US Deploys 3,500 Marines in Late March 2025
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deployment of 3,500 additional personnel to the Middle East. Some of the troops arrived at a secret location on March 27, 2026, aboard the USS Tripoli.
According to CBS News, the ship departed from a US base in Japan. US officials stated that this deployment is for limited operations over the next few weeks to respond to the war with Iran, which shows no signs of abating.
The New York Times estimates that the total number of US troops in the Middle East now stands at 50,000. This figure is approximately 10,000 higher than usual.
Image Verification
Image 1
The visual depiction of the ship in the first image deviates from the actual design of the USS Tripoli aircraft carrier as shown on the US Navy’s official website. Striking differences are visible on the ship’s sides, as well as at the bow and stern.
A scan using the Hive Moderation tool indicates that the image is a product of AI-generated imagery with a 99.2 percent probability. The tool detected the use of the GPT Image model with a score of 97.4 percent. Similarly, the Was It AI detector reached a similar conclusion with a high level of confidence.
Image 2
An official release from US Central Command on March 29 shows the USS Tripoli (LHA 7) sailing without an escort from other combat vessels. This image contrasts with social media posts showing the ship accompanied by several warships.
The AI detection tool, Hive Moderation, indicates that 99.9 percent of the content was generated by AI. The content is also indicated to have been created 99.9 percent by the GPT Image AI model.
Image Whisperer also identified the image as AI-generated content, with a 100% probability that the GPT Image model was used.
CONCLUSION
Tempo’s verification concludes that the claim that the United States deployed thousands of Marines to the Strait of Hormuz is partially true.
The deployment of marines numbered 3,500, some of whom were transported aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tripoli on March 27, 2026. However, the accompanying images do not depict this event, as they were generated by AI.
TEMPO FACT-CHECK TEAM
**Do you have information or claims that you want to have fact-checked? Contact our ChatBot. You can also send criticism, objections, or feedback for this Fact-Checking article via email to [email protected].
Fact Check: AI-Generated Photos of Israeli PM Netanyahu's Funeral
1 hari lalu
Fact check - The circulating photos of Netanyahu's funeral procession were AI-generated.
Fact Check: Did Iran Attack Los Angeles?
2 hari lalu
Fact check - The blaze pictured in the photo was a factory fire in Texas, not an Iranian attack on Los Angeles.
Fact Check: Is Japan Joining the US-Israel Attack on Iran?
3 hari lalu
Fact Check - A video claiming the Japanese PM pledged to join the US-Israel in attacking Iran is misleading. The footage shows the Defense Minister.
Fact Check: Al Jazeera Report on Netanyahu's Death Is AI-Generated
4 hari lalu
Fact check - The circulating video is AI-generated, as Al Jazeera never posted the footage showing Netanyahu's supposed death.
Fact Check: Misleading Footage Claimed as Israeli Refugees After Iran Attack
5 hari lalu
Fact check - The video of Palestinians in Gaza awaiting airdropped aid in 2025 is misleadingly claimed as Israeli refugees.
Fact Check: False Video Shows Trump Announcing Netanyahu's Death
5 hari lalu
The video showed Trump speaking before a U.S. flag, claiming Netanyahu and his younger brother had been killed in an Iranian attack.
Fact Check: Misleading Claim Says Kissing Cats Can Infect the Brain
6 hari lalu
A video circulating on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook claims that kissing cats can transmit brain-infecting bacteria that alters behavior.
Fact Check: Claim That Minister Nasaruddin Umar Announced Rp1 Billion Grant Is False
7 hari lalu
Tempo's fact-check team found that the video in circulation is the result of AI manipulation.
Fact Check: No Missile Attack on North Korean Embassy in Tehran
9 hari lalu
Tempo's fact-check team found that the content in circulation was created using artificial intelligence technology.
Fact Check: Analyzing AI in "Prabowo for Global Peace" Song
9 hari lalu
Social media posts claim the song "Prabowo for Global Peace" was composed by international musicians to celebrate Prabowo's role in world peace.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5390165/original/033586000_1761235850-Persib_Bandung_1.jpeg)
