Iran announces downing of 52nd US ‘MQ-9’ drone over Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Sept. 16 (YPA) – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Wednesday the downing of a US ‘MQ-9’ reconnaissance drone over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, affirming it as the 52nd aircraft of its type to be shot down by its forces.

In an official statement, the IRGC specified that Iranian air defense systems detected the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at 02:29 local time while operating in the airspace over Qeshm Island, before engaging and destroying it.

The announcement coincides with heightened military activity across the Strait of Hormuz region. Iran’s official state news agency had earlier reported nocturnal explosions in the vicinity of Qeshm Island.

This incident marks the latest in a series of operations by the IRGC regarding the targeting and interception of American MQ-9 drones in the strategic waterway.

YPA