US Israel Iran war: Iran claims it shot down two helicopters and two transport aircraft during US rescue operation
US Israel Iran war: Iran has claimed that it shot down two helicopters and two transport aircraft during a U.S. rescue operation. According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), this action took place in the southern region of Isfahan while U.S. forces were attempting to rescue one of their pilots.
The IRGC states that during this operation, it destroyed two C-130 transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters, thereby foiling the U.S. rescue mission. Conversely, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the rescue operation was successful and that the pilot was rescued.
US forces themselves blew up stranded aircraft
According to a media report, the two transport aircraft responsible for rescuing an American airman and commando from Iran became stranded at the site. Consequently, the U.S. was compelled to dispatch three additional aircraft. The report further indicates that U.S. forces subsequently blew up the stranded transport aircraft to prevent their technology from falling into Iranian hands.
Kuwait Suffers 'Significant Damage' from Drone Attacks on Energy Facilities
Meanwhile, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has stated that several of its facilities were targeted in drone attacks originating from Iran, resulting in fires and causing 'heavy damage.'
According to an official government statement, emergency response teams are currently working to bring the fires under control and prevent them from spreading. However, the exact location of the attack has not been disclosed.
There are no reports of any casualties resulting from these attacks.
This incident follows a series of attacks on petrochemical and energy facilities in other parts of the Gulf region, such as Bahrain.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that it carried out attacks on petrochemical plants in Bahrain and Kuwait. According to the IRGC, this retaliatory strike was launched following attacks on a bridge and an industrial facility in the city of Karaj, near Tehran.
The IRGC has warned that if civilians or civilian sites are attacked again, Iran will respond with even greater force next time.
Iran Rejects Trump's 48-Hour Ultimatum
Meanwhile, Iran has rejected President Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military stated that the U.S. is issuing threats out of helplessness and panic.
Trump had issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding that it either reopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach a settlement. He warned that time was running out and that, should this fail to happen, Iran's energy infrastructure would be targeted and destroyed.