Iran claims to have shot down two US MQ-9 drones – share video

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its air defense system shot down a US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone over the central city of Isfahan on Tuesday.The long-range drone was “intercepted and destroyed” by an advanced system that forms part of Iran’s integrated air defense network, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said in a statement. Local Iranian media shared a video claiming the attack, saying “the moment two MQ-9 drones collided and exploded over Isfahan last night.”As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Iran also claimed earlier this week that it destroyed a U.S. E-3 Sentinel reconnaissance aircraft in a missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh on March 27. According to reports, the base, an important hub for U.S. military operations, was severely damaged and at least 12 U.S. service members were injured. Images circulating on social media purportedly show the burned plane, but this has not been independently confirmed.The report said the aircraft, with serial number 81-0005, was parked on the taxiway when the attack occurred. While it’s unclear whether it was hit directly, defense experts said even a nearby explosion could destroy it due to shrapnel impact and a high risk of catching fire, military website The War Zone reported.