IRGC says four oil tankers destroyed by mines in Strait of Hormuz, 56th US drone downed

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that four oil tankers it described as violating were destroyed after hitting naval mines in the southern Strait of Hormuz and were still burning, while two other violating vessels were stopped. In a statement, the IRGC said its naval and aerospace forces struck heavy blows against the enemy.

The IRGC said the four tankers were attempting to cross a prohibited route south of the strait when they struck the mines. It added that its air defense forces hit and downed the 56th US MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz at 4:30 a.m. local time, using a new air defense system in what it called an innovative operation.

The statement also said IRGC fighters are ready to deliver a final blow to the child-killing Zionist regime and the aggressor America. The IRGC did not provide further details on the vessels, their cargo, or the drone operation.

According to Mehr News (MNA), the IRGC's announcement is the latest in a series of statements about its activities in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes. The report did not specify the nationalities or owners of the tankers, nor did it provide evidence for the claims.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, though the report did not provide additional context on the broader security situation. The IRGC's statement did not mention any casualties or provide further details about the two stopped vessels.

According to Mehr News, the IRGC said the tankers were attempting to cross a prohibited route south of the strait when they hit the mines, and that the downing of the drone was carried out using a new air defense system.