A viral post on social media caught our attention with a video that purports to show Norwegian Special Forces detaining two Singaporeans who “illegally launched a drone over the positions of the Norwegian Armed Forces….recording significant strategic facilities.” In the video, several armed soldiers descend from a helicopter and rapidly converge on a target in what appears to be a fairly aggressive takedown.
The post has been viewed over 600 thousand times on X, with some speculating that the Singapore citizens could have been engaging in suspicious or malicious spying activities. It also coincides with reports of drone activity shutting down airports in Norway’s Capital, Oslo, and Copenhagen, Denmark, causing disruptions and delays for several hours on 22 September.
However, a scan of local news in Singapore and in Norway led us to reports with crucial context that differs from what the viral video and post implies.
According to these reports from credible outlets, two Singaporeans were arrested by Norwegian police on 22 September (mere hours before the airport shutdown) for flying a drone over the Akershus Fortress and Opera House in central Oslo – which both fall within restricted no-drone zones. In particular, the Fortress houses a military base, a prison, and the temporary office of the Prime Minister. The two offenders are a couple in their 50s and 60s who have said they are tourists. They were, upon arrest, charged with violating Norway’s Aviation Act.
The most recent updates we found on this still-fresh story say that the case against one individual was closed, while the other who was flying the drone has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a fine of 8000 Krones (which is just over $1000 SGD).
Statements from the Norwegian prosecutor further say the Singapore couple’s drone activity are not thought to be related to the more serious airport cases, which are being taken more seriously by both Norway and Denmark.
However, while it is true that two Singaporeans were arrested, the claim that “Special Forces” arrested them appears to be untrue. Rather, the military informed the police, who quickly located the couple and made the arrest.
The video purporting to show the arrest does depict Norwegian forces in action (the Norwegian Flag is visible on their uniforms), but a reverse search shows that it has been in circulation on social media since at least 2023 – often described as “special forces helicopter extraction drills.”
Therefore, while it is true that a Singaporean couple was arrested by police for illegally flying a drone in the capital’s city centre, the viral post and video claiming that Norwegian special forces arrested two Singaporeans is false. The video does not show soldiers carrying out an arrest, nor is this case thought to be part of deliberate attempts to record significant strategic facilities as the claim post suggests.
The misleading reporting of the original case, when paired with a blatantly misattributed video clip, is an example of how media can be used to shape narratives and spread disinformation. The fast-paced and exciting looking clip garnered many reposts and comments, stirring up discussion and speculation despite being inaccurate.
When it comes to sensitive topics such as military action and the arrests of locals on foreign soil, it is important to consult official sources and wait for reliable reports before taking “breaking news” posts from social media as fact.
