Iran TV uses ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ screenshot to claim CIA boss was killed in Afghanistan plane crash
The news report used an image from the 2012 film showing American actor Frederic Lehne who played a character called The Wolf
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
State TV in Iran has broadcast a screenshot from the movie Zero Dark Thirty to illustrate a report that a senior CIA officer had been killed in a plane crash.
The photo shows the actor that portrayed a character in the movie based on real life CIA operative Michael D'Andrea.
On Monday, the US military confirmed that a Bombardier E-11A surveillance aircraft had crashed eastern Afghanistan.
The plane came down in Ghazni province, which is controlled by the Taliban, who claim that senior CIA operatives had been killed.
BBC Monitoring picked up reports from Iranian TV network Channel One, claiming that one of the operatives killed was Mr D’Andrea, though no evidence was provided to confirm this.
The TV channel also claimed that Mr D’Andrea played a key role in the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
The news report used an image from the 2012 film showing American actor Frederic Lehne who played a character called The Wolf.
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty is based on the events surrounding the assassination of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.
USFOR-A spokesman Colonel Sonny Leggett, tweeted: “While the cause of crash is under investigation, there are no indications the crash was caused by enemy fire. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”
The remains of individuals have now been recovered from the crash site. Officials have told Reuters that fewer than five people were onboard the plane.
Colonel Leggett also tweeted: "Taliban claims that additional aircraft have crashed are false."
Iranian media published unverified images of the crash and are highlighting the claim that Taliban downed the plane.
The AP has since released images of the burnt out wreckage.
The New York Times reported in 2017 that Mr D'Andrea had been given the job of running the CIA’s Iran operations, signalling the hard line the Trump Administration was taking against the country.
Lehne has an extensive acting resume, having appeared in many popular television shows, including Homeland, WestWorld, and American Horror Story.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments