The Iranian Army has shot down a hostile US Lucas-type drone in the skies over Bandar Abbas, near the city of Hajjiabad in southern Iran, as Tehran continues to push back against escalating American military aggression targeting its territory and sovereignty.
In an official statement, the military confirmed that air defense units in the southeastern region successfully detected, tracked, and neutralized the unmanned aerial vehicle before it could carry out any operations. The downing was carried out as part of broader efforts to counter US aggression against Iran and ensure the security of the country’s airspace.
The Iranian Army further emphasized that its air defense forces, along with other armed units, remain fully operational to secure the skies over southern Iran, confirming that ongoing surveillance is in place to monitor potential movements or threats in the area.
US Launches Fresh Aggression on Iranian Territory
The drone downing came amid a renewed wave of US strikes against Iran launched on July 13, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) stating the operation was ordered by President Donald Trump to degrade Tehran’s ability to target vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the strikes were directed at holding Iranian forces accountable, following days of escalating tensions fueled by US attempts to challenge Iran’s maritime role in the vital waterway.
Iranian media reported multiple explosions across southern Iran, with state television confirming blasts near Tahrovi in Sirik, west of Bandar Abbas, and in Jask, where additional strikes followed at least three initial explosions.
Explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island, while Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Tehran said the attacks targeted transport routes, major ports, communications infrastructure, and economic facilities across the country. Key ports, including Chabahar and Bandar Abbas, were hit, along with communications sites in Hormozgan Province and petrochemical areas in Khuzestan. At the same time, reports also indicated strikes near the Arak nuclear facility in Markazi Province.
Iran Responds Decisively, Strikes US Assets in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain
In a swift and decisive response to continued US attacks on Iranian positions, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a series of retaliatory strikes against US military facilities across Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
The IRGC said its Aerospace Force targeted fuel depots, missile storage sites, air defense systems, radar installations, and command centers across multiple US-linked bases in the region.
Jordan — Prince Hassan Airbase
In its first operation, missiles and drones struck Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base, setting fire to fuel tanks and ammunition depots. The strike came following US attacks on Iranian coastal positions.
Bahrain — Sheikh Isa Base
A second wave targeted the Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain, destroying helicopter maintenance facilities, a P-8 reconnaissance aircraft hangar, and the US drone command center at the site.
Kuwait — Ali Al-Salem and Ahmed Al-Jaber Airbases
The third phase hit Kuwait’s Ali Al-Salem Airbase and Ahmed al-Jaber Airbase, destroying fuel tanks, Patriot air defense systems, and strategic radar installations.
Kuwait — Ground Forces Strike
In a fourth phase, IRGC Ground Forces struck two HIMARS missile launch platforms and ammunition depots filled with missiles at US bases in Kuwait, setting them ablaze and completely destroying them.
The IRGC reaffirmed that retaliatory operations would continue and reiterated Iran’s firm stance that the Strait of Hormuz falls within its territorial domain. The force warned that foreign interference in the strategic waterway would not be tolerated.
Source: Iranian media (edite dby Al-Manar)