Jack Sapoch
@jacksapoch.bsky.social
Borders, osint, & digital investigations / investigations @lighthousereports.com , sometimes more
Pinned
Jack Sapoch
@jacksapoch.bsky.social
· Oct 8
NEW: Since October 2023, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released dozens of 3D animations illustrating alleged Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian sites
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
Really nice to be included in this @columjournreview.bsky.social piece on the future of visual investigations, alongside a great group of people from across the field.
I spoke a bit on how the online environment has changed as a space for open-source work and discussion
www.cjr.org/feature/the-...
I spoke a bit on how the online environment has changed as a space for open-source work and discussion
www.cjr.org/feature/the-...
The future of visual investigations, if we can’t trust our eyes.
Journalists and other experts tell us how, in the age of AI, technology is transforming the work of visual forensics. “We might have to be a little bit more imaginative,” Emily Tripp, of Airwars, says...
www.cjr.org
September 10, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Really nice to be included in this @columjournreview.bsky.social piece on the future of visual investigations, alongside a great group of people from across the field.
I spoke a bit on how the online environment has changed as a space for open-source work and discussion
www.cjr.org/feature/the-...
I spoke a bit on how the online environment has changed as a space for open-source work and discussion
www.cjr.org/feature/the-...
New collaborative investigation from
@lighthousereports.com + @financialtimes.com
: we mapped how Israel has demolished village after village across southern Lebanon - much of it after a ceasefire.
A thread on the remote sensing damage analysis workflow we built to measure it 🧵
@lighthousereports.com + @financialtimes.com
: we mapped how Israel has demolished village after village across southern Lebanon - much of it after a ceasefire.
A thread on the remote sensing damage analysis workflow we built to measure it 🧵
How Israel is making southern Lebanon ‘unliveable’ ft.trib.al/SbH4cax
How Israel is making southern Lebanon ‘unliveable’
Israeli forces have systematically destroyed homes, roads, farmland and forests despite ceasefire with Hizbollah
ft.trib.al
August 12, 2026 at 4:33 PM
New collaborative investigation from
@lighthousereports.com + @financialtimes.com
: we mapped how Israel has demolished village after village across southern Lebanon - much of it after a ceasefire.
A thread on the remote sensing damage analysis workflow we built to measure it 🧵
@lighthousereports.com + @financialtimes.com
: we mapped how Israel has demolished village after village across southern Lebanon - much of it after a ceasefire.
A thread on the remote sensing damage analysis workflow we built to measure it 🧵
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
„Es kursieren in diesem Zusammenhang sehr viele gefälschte Videos und Falschmeldungen. … es braucht sicherlich mehr Sorgfalt im Umgang mit Videos wie denen der IDF, die gezielt für die weitere Verwertung durch andere Medien produziert werden.“
@jacksapoch.bsky.social
im Interview
@jacksapoch.bsky.social
im Interview
»Dieses Dorf existiert gar nicht«
Israel veröffentlicht über 70 3D-animierte Propagandaclips, die Angriffe auf zivile Infrastruktur in Gaza und dem Libanon rechtfertigen sollen. Die Ergebnisse eines internationalen Rechercheteams bele...
magazin.zenith.me
July 15, 2026 at 9:17 PM
„Es kursieren in diesem Zusammenhang sehr viele gefälschte Videos und Falschmeldungen. … es braucht sicherlich mehr Sorgfalt im Umgang mit Videos wie denen der IDF, die gezielt für die weitere Verwertung durch andere Medien produziert werden.“
@jacksapoch.bsky.social
im Interview
@jacksapoch.bsky.social
im Interview
A time-series viz of all publicly recorded* Bayraktar TB2 flights over western Turkey since late 2023
The tracks show how extensive/persistent these circular patterned surveillance flights are along the Aegean coast + Evros land border
The tracks show how extensive/persistent these circular patterned surveillance flights are along the Aegean coast + Evros land border
June 25, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A time-series viz of all publicly recorded* Bayraktar TB2 flights over western Turkey since late 2023
The tracks show how extensive/persistent these circular patterned surveillance flights are along the Aegean coast + Evros land border
The tracks show how extensive/persistent these circular patterned surveillance flights are along the Aegean coast + Evros land border
From our recent @lighthousereports.com / Al Jazeera Fault Lines documentary on the El Fasher siege
The animation here is based on 100s of sat images from Apr - Oct 2025. Via cross-comparison, I mapped the berm’s construction in QGIS, then imported into Blender + animated w/ a custom script
The animation here is based on 100s of sat images from Apr - Oct 2025. Via cross-comparison, I mapped the berm’s construction in QGIS, then imported into Blender + animated w/ a custom script
May 20, 2026 at 9:50 PM
From our recent @lighthousereports.com / Al Jazeera Fault Lines documentary on the El Fasher siege
The animation here is based on 100s of sat images from Apr - Oct 2025. Via cross-comparison, I mapped the berm’s construction in QGIS, then imported into Blender + animated w/ a custom script
The animation here is based on 100s of sat images from Apr - Oct 2025. Via cross-comparison, I mapped the berm’s construction in QGIS, then imported into Blender + animated w/ a custom script
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
Destruction in southern Lebanon continues, including outside the Yellow Line.
Just recently a solar-powered water well was destroyed in Deir Mimas, a Christian village north of the mostly-destroyed town of Kfar Kela. This also damaged a housing complex.
News link:
nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/news/5185...
Just recently a solar-powered water well was destroyed in Deir Mimas, a Christian village north of the mostly-destroyed town of Kfar Kela. This also damaged a housing complex.
News link:
nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/news/5185...
May 14, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Destruction in southern Lebanon continues, including outside the Yellow Line.
Just recently a solar-powered water well was destroyed in Deir Mimas, a Christian village north of the mostly-destroyed town of Kfar Kela. This also damaged a housing complex.
News link:
nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/news/5185...
Just recently a solar-powered water well was destroyed in Deir Mimas, a Christian village north of the mostly-destroyed town of Kfar Kela. This also damaged a housing complex.
News link:
nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/news/5185...
Recent border wall construction in southern Arizona is visible not only in daytime satellite imagery, but also at night
I made this timelapse w/ NASA Black Marble nighttime lights data, showing light signatures along the border next to Coronado National Forest b/w Jan + Mar 2026
I made this timelapse w/ NASA Black Marble nighttime lights data, showing light signatures along the border next to Coronado National Forest b/w Jan + Mar 2026
May 13, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Recent border wall construction in southern Arizona is visible not only in daytime satellite imagery, but also at night
I made this timelapse w/ NASA Black Marble nighttime lights data, showing light signatures along the border next to Coronado National Forest b/w Jan + Mar 2026
I made this timelapse w/ NASA Black Marble nighttime lights data, showing light signatures along the border next to Coronado National Forest b/w Jan + Mar 2026
Amidst strikes on Iran by the US and Israel today, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit released a pre-made 3D animation of strike targets in Kermanshah, Iran
February 28, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Amidst strikes on Iran by the US and Israel today, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit released a pre-made 3D animation of strike targets in Kermanshah, Iran
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
This is an amazing analysis that integrates multiple sources of data to show ICE enforcement intensification in Nashville. Must read.
This investigation was a collaboration with
@motherjones.com, @nashvillebanner.bsky.social, News Channel 5, Nashville Noticias, and the Institute for Public Service Reporting - Memphis
You can find links to stories here + our methodology write-up:
www.lighthousereports.com/methodology/...
@motherjones.com, @nashvillebanner.bsky.social, News Channel 5, Nashville Noticias, and the Institute for Public Service Reporting - Memphis
You can find links to stories here + our methodology write-up:
www.lighthousereports.com/methodology/...
How We Unpacked Tennessee’s Cooperation with ICE
Combining bodycam footage, police reports, and more than a million ICE records, this is how we investigated Tennessee Highway Patrol's collaboration with ICE
www.lighthousereports.com
February 25, 2026 at 4:24 PM
This is an amazing analysis that integrates multiple sources of data to show ICE enforcement intensification in Nashville. Must read.
Last May, Tennessee Highway Patrol joined ICE on the streets of Nashville.
We @lighthousereports.com + partners mapped the traffic stops and used 1M+ ICE records, dashcam video, and court files to show how supposed routine encounters became deportations.
We @lighthousereports.com + partners mapped the traffic stops and used 1M+ ICE records, dashcam video, and court files to show how supposed routine encounters became deportations.
February 25, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Last May, Tennessee Highway Patrol joined ICE on the streets of Nashville.
We @lighthousereports.com + partners mapped the traffic stops and used 1M+ ICE records, dashcam video, and court files to show how supposed routine encounters became deportations.
We @lighthousereports.com + partners mapped the traffic stops and used 1M+ ICE records, dashcam video, and court files to show how supposed routine encounters became deportations.
I’m in Kuala Lumpur this week for the Global Investigative Journalism Conference #GIJC2025
If you’re attending and want to connect / talk about visual investigations, remote sensing, open-source methods, etc. definitely reach out!
If you’re attending and want to connect / talk about visual investigations, remote sensing, open-source methods, etc. definitely reach out!
November 19, 2025 at 4:17 AM
I’m in Kuala Lumpur this week for the Global Investigative Journalism Conference #GIJC2025
If you’re attending and want to connect / talk about visual investigations, remote sensing, open-source methods, etc. definitely reach out!
If you’re attending and want to connect / talk about visual investigations, remote sensing, open-source methods, etc. definitely reach out!
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
On a Saturday night I stumbled across something on the internet that made me feel like ****** my pants. A giant dataset of real surveillance operations targeting 1000s of people across nearly every country. Unraveling it and the mysterious company behind it has consumed 1.5 years of my life
October 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM
On a Saturday night I stumbled across something on the internet that made me feel like ****** my pants. A giant dataset of real surveillance operations targeting 1000s of people across nearly every country. Unraveling it and the mysterious company behind it has consumed 1.5 years of my life
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
Have you seen 3D animations from the IDF showing secret Hamas hideouts?
According to Israel's +972 magazine, many have "serious spatial inaccuracies or prefabricated assets—sourced not from classified intelligence but rather from commercial libraries, content creators, and cultural institutions."
According to Israel's +972 magazine, many have "serious spatial inaccuracies or prefabricated assets—sourced not from classified intelligence but rather from commercial libraries, content creators, and cultural institutions."
How a Scottish maritime museum ended up in Israel’s 3D propaganda
An analysis of dozens of Israeli army animations discovered digital assets sourced not from classified intelligence but commercial libraries and content creators.
www.972mag.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:20 AM
Have you seen 3D animations from the IDF showing secret Hamas hideouts?
According to Israel's +972 magazine, many have "serious spatial inaccuracies or prefabricated assets—sourced not from classified intelligence but rather from commercial libraries, content creators, and cultural institutions."
According to Israel's +972 magazine, many have "serious spatial inaccuracies or prefabricated assets—sourced not from classified intelligence but rather from commercial libraries, content creators, and cultural institutions."
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
Last week we @citizenlab.ca published an investigation into a likely Israeli-directed AI influence op targeting Iranians citizenlab.ca/2025/10/ai-e...
This superb analysis by @jacksapoch.bsky.social & colleagues of 43 official IDF videos found recycled 3D animations and spatial inaccuracies 👇
This superb analysis by @jacksapoch.bsky.social & colleagues of 43 official IDF videos found recycled 3D animations and spatial inaccuracies 👇
NEW: Since October 2023, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released dozens of 3D animations illustrating alleged Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian sites
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
October 8, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Last week we @citizenlab.ca published an investigation into a likely Israeli-directed AI influence op targeting Iranians citizenlab.ca/2025/10/ai-e...
This superb analysis by @jacksapoch.bsky.social & colleagues of 43 official IDF videos found recycled 3D animations and spatial inaccuracies 👇
This superb analysis by @jacksapoch.bsky.social & colleagues of 43 official IDF videos found recycled 3D animations and spatial inaccuracies 👇
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
Disinformation, now in 3D.
NEW: Since October 2023, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released dozens of 3D animations illustrating alleged Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian sites
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
October 8, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Disinformation, now in 3D.
NEW: Since October 2023, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released dozens of 3D animations illustrating alleged Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian sites
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
October 8, 2025 at 4:58 PM
NEW: Since October 2023, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released dozens of 3D animations illustrating alleged Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian sites
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
Appears the same National Guard UH-72 Lakota 11-72212 that dusted protesters in downtown D.C. in 2020 (noted by @giancarlofiorella.bsky.social) is back in D.C.'s skies again. Not clear for what purpose, though did a similar route on Sept. 1.
FlightRadar24 link: www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraf...
FlightRadar24 link: www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraf...
September 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Appears the same National Guard UH-72 Lakota 11-72212 that dusted protesters in downtown D.C. in 2020 (noted by @giancarlofiorella.bsky.social) is back in D.C.'s skies again. Not clear for what purpose, though did a similar route on Sept. 1.
FlightRadar24 link: www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraf...
FlightRadar24 link: www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraf...
What’s the target, brother?
July 24, 2025 at 5:53 PM
What’s the target, brother?
An impressive case study in the use of photogrammetry and satellite imagery to shed light on the logistics and procedures behind large scale atrocities (in this case in Assad's Syria)
July 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM
An impressive case study in the use of photogrammetry and satellite imagery to shed light on the logistics and procedures behind large scale atrocities (in this case in Assad's Syria)
Indian police dragged Hasan Shah from bed, blindfolded him, and put him on a boat to Bangladesh:
"After 3 days at sea, they stood him on the edge of the vessel with a life vest, untied his hands, uncovered his eyes told him at gunpoint: "Jump into the water... If you look back, we’ll shoot you.""
"After 3 days at sea, they stood him on the edge of the vessel with a life vest, untied his hands, uncovered his eyes told him at gunpoint: "Jump into the water... If you look back, we’ll shoot you.""
In India’s deportation drive, Muslim men recount being tossed into the sea
India’s recent deportation drive targeting its Muslim minority was marked by home demolitions, arbitrary detentions, allegations of torture and a lack of due process.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 11, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Indian police dragged Hasan Shah from bed, blindfolded him, and put him on a boat to Bangladesh:
"After 3 days at sea, they stood him on the edge of the vessel with a life vest, untied his hands, uncovered his eyes told him at gunpoint: "Jump into the water... If you look back, we’ll shoot you.""
"After 3 days at sea, they stood him on the edge of the vessel with a life vest, untied his hands, uncovered his eyes told him at gunpoint: "Jump into the water... If you look back, we’ll shoot you.""
Tidal changes over a 6 hour period in Rockport, Maine
Video scraped today from a public municipal webcam, and played back at 500,00% speed
Video scraped today from a public municipal webcam, and played back at 500,00% speed
June 26, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Tidal changes over a 6 hour period in Rockport, Maine
Video scraped today from a public municipal webcam, and played back at 500,00% speed
Video scraped today from a public municipal webcam, and played back at 500,00% speed
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
Someone spotted the CBP MQ-9 Reaper circling over Los Angeles tonight.
June 19, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Someone spotted the CBP MQ-9 Reaper circling over Los Angeles tonight.
I'll be leading a workshop at @ire.org tomorrow on investigating border surveillance and deportation flights using online tools
We'll dig into flight tracking methods, aircraft identifiers, etc. from an immigration enforcement lens
schedules.ire.org/ire-2025/ind...
Hope to see some of you there!
We'll dig into flight tracking methods, aircraft identifiers, etc. from an immigration enforcement lens
schedules.ire.org/ire-2025/ind...
Hope to see some of you there!
June 19, 2025 at 2:15 AM
I'll be leading a workshop at @ire.org tomorrow on investigating border surveillance and deportation flights using online tools
We'll dig into flight tracking methods, aircraft identifiers, etc. from an immigration enforcement lens
schedules.ire.org/ire-2025/ind...
Hope to see some of you there!
We'll dig into flight tracking methods, aircraft identifiers, etc. from an immigration enforcement lens
schedules.ire.org/ire-2025/ind...
Hope to see some of you there!
Reposted by Jack Sapoch
on the dozen+ agencies operating at the Los Angeles anti-immigration raids protests www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
How Many Law Enforcement Agencies Are Involved in LA Immigration Protests? (Gift Article)
A Times analysis identified more than a dozen agencies that were on the ground in the past week. See which are represented, the gear they carry and how they interact.
www.nytimes.com
June 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
on the dozen+ agencies operating at the Los Angeles anti-immigration raids protests www.nytimes.com/interactive/...