IRGC Aerospace Force downs US-made MQ-9 drone over Ahvaz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has shot down a US-made MQ-9 drone over the city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran, according to Iranian state media. The downing occurred on Sunday, amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.

The IRGC confirmed the incident, stating that the drone was targeted and destroyed by the force's air defense units. No further details were provided regarding the exact location or time of the interception.

This development comes shortly after the US launched retaliatory attacks against Iranian infrastructure. In response, the IRGC conducted joint missile and drone strikes on shelters of fighter jets and a large ramp at the US base of Al-Azraq in Jordan, as reported by Mehr News Agency (MNA).

The MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted aircraft used primarily by the US military for surveillance and precision strikes. The downing of the drone marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

According to Mehr News Agency, the IRGC Aerospace Force's action was a direct response to US aggression. The report added that the IRGC remains prepared to defend Iran's sovereignty against any foreign threats.