There's still sht going down there, it's just what the media decides what's important to cover. Also, a plane vanishing is A TON more intriguing then a war going on which happens on a consistant...
So what you're saying is with no cell signal or data connection a cell phone can't be located using it's GPS? So, let's say I put my phone in airplane mode, completely disconnecting it from the cell...
You have as much proof the phones are smashed into a million pieces as I do that they are in pristine condition. Find my phone apps use GPS location as well as, but not needed, cell tower connection,...