IRGC downs intruding US MQ-1 Predator drone over Persian Gulf
Iran’s air defense forces successfully shot down an intruding American MQ-1 Predator drone over Iranian airspace in the Persian Gulf.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced in a statement that the multi-mission and long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft was intercepted and destroyed as it entered the Iranian skies in the early hours of Sunday.
The unmanned aerial vehicle was immediately tracked by IRGC air defense systems and targeted by advanced surface-to-air missiles before it could carry out any act of aggression.
The IRGC also emphasized that Iranian airspace over the country’s territorial waters is under full control of its air defense units, warning that any intrusion will be met with a decisive response.
It came a day after Iran’s Army air defense units managed to intercept and successfully destroy an enemy Orbiter drone in the skies over Qeshm Island.
The recent intrusions by American and Israeli drones came as Iran and the US have been observing a ceasefire since April 8 to give a chance to diplomacy to end the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
A senior Iranian Army commander strongly warned the country’s adversaries against attempting fresh aggression against Iran, asserting that such miscalculation will receive a response more forceful than previous retaliation.
Deputy Army Commander for Coordination, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari made the remarks on Saturday. "The enemy should know that any aggression against the country's territory will be met with a response even more forceful than before," he stated.