Tuesday 6 October 2026 · Edition of the day

Current editionPast editions →

The Skeptic's Daily

The day's biggest stories, taken apart. For each one: what is actually established, what is only asserted, the questions worth asking — and a plausibility score for the central claim, given everything currently known.

Stories
1
Average plausibility
43%
How to read the score
It rates how well the core claim is evidenced — not how important the story is, nor whether it is good or bad news.
RegionAllGlobalAfricaNorth AmericaSouth AmericaAsia-PacificEuropeMiddle East
TopicAllPoliticsConflict & SecurityBusinessScienceHealth
01Conflict & SecuritySouth America

Report alleges Mexican and Colombian cartel members are fighting in Ukraine

Al Jazeera reports an alleged link between cartel members and Ukraine’s International Legion, but the supplied evidence is limited.

Al Jazeera’s headline says Mexican and Colombian cartel mercenaries have been filmed fighting in Ukraine. Its summary says cartel members are reportedly joining Ukraine’s International Legion to learn drone warfare. No other supplied item corroborates these allegations.

What holds up

  • ✓The supplied Al Jazeera item makes allegations involving members of both Mexican and Colombian cartels.
  • ✓The summary explicitly presents their reported participation and motive with qualification rather than supplying verification.

What doesn't yet

  • ?The extract supplies no footage, identities, numbers or authentication method.
  • ?Cartel membership, Legion affiliation and the alleged motive of learning drone warfare are not independently established.

Ask before you share

  • →Who authenticated the footage and established the individuals’ identities and affiliations?
  • →What evidence distinguishes an intention to learn drone warfare from other reasons for joining?

Sources & original reporting

  1. [1]Al Jazeera · Published 6 Oct 2026 · aljazeera.com