In July 2018, a video clip of two women and two children being held at gunpoint and shot multiple times was being shared on social media. Some social media posts claimed that this took place in Mali, while others claimed it was in Cameroon.

This is how the BBC and freelance researchers verified the place, time and identities of the military personnel:

Tool used for verification:

1. Google Maps to identify specific location and interest points.
2. Digital Globe satellite imagery to understand and compare topography in the video.
3. Facebook profiles of officers and other Cameroonian soldiers confirmed fatigues, weapons and the identity of the perpetrators.