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Iran Claims Downing US F-16 & Drone, Hits Dubai Depot in Escalating Tensions

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps claims its air defenses struck a US F-16 fighter jet and an MQ-9 Reaper drone in southern Iranian airspace. The IRGC also announced it destroyed a warehouse in Dubai containing Ukrainian anti-drone systems, which Ukraine's foreign ministry has firmly denied as false information. These claims follow a series of retaliatory strikes between Iran, its allies, and US-Israeli forces that began in late February. The situation highlights the ongoing and escalating military tensions in the Middle East.

Key Points: Iran Claims Downed US F-16, Drone; Hits Dubai Depot

  • IRGC claims downing US F-16 & MQ-9 drone
  • CENTCOM post referenced on F-16 mission
  • IRGC says it destroyed Ukrainian depot in Dubai
  • Ukraine denies depot strike as "fake"
  • Tensions high after US-Israeli strikes on Iran
2 min read

Iran's IRGC claims downing of US F-16, MQ-9 drone in southern airspace

Iran's IRGC claims it downed a US F-16 and MQ-9 drone and destroyed a Ukrainian anti-drone depot in Dubai amid rising Middle East tensions.

"This information does not correspond to reality. It is fake. - Ukraine Foreign Ministry Spokesperson"

Tehran, March 29

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps claimed its air defence has struck a US F-16 Fighting Falcon and an MQ-9 Reaper drone in the country's southern airspace.

Making the announcement in a statement on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC said the US fighter jet and drone were hit during joint retaliatory missile and drone operations by its Navy and Aerospace Division against heavy industries belonging to the United States and Israel, Xinhua news agency reported.

It added that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has also confessed that its F-16 Fighting Falcon was targeted.

In a post on social media platform X, CENTCOM said, "A US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon lands at a base in the Middle East after a combat flight in support of Operation Epic Fury."

Additionally, IRGC said on Saturday that it destroyed a Ukrainian anti-drone equipment depot in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, used to assist US forces.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said that a warehouse in Dubai containing Ukrainian anti-drone systems and housing 21 Ukrainians had been targeted and destroyed in a joint operation by the IRGC's Air Force and Navy.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi denied the information as "a lie," the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported on Saturday.

"This information does not correspond to reality. It is fake," Interfax-Ukraine also quoted a spokesperson for Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, as saying.

The development came amid heightened tensions following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on February 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and US interests across the Middle East.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The claims and counter-claims are confusing. Iran says they shot down an F-16, US posts a video of one landing safely. Ukraine denies their depot was hit. It's hard to know what's real in this information war. 🤔
A
Aman W
This directly impacts us. Any conflict in the Middle East affects oil prices and the safety of our diaspora there. India needs to maintain a balanced diplomatic stance and ensure the safety of our citizens working in the UAE and surrounding areas.
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Sarah B
As an expat in Dubai, this news about a strike there is unsettling, even if Ukraine denies it. The region feels less stable by the day. Hoping for de-escalation for everyone's sake.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, the article could do a better job of verifying these claims before publishing. It's mostly reporting claims from Sepah News and Xinhua. Independent verification is crucial in conflict reporting.
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Karthik V
Iran claiming to hit targets in Dubai is a major escalation. The UAE is home to millions of Indians and is a crucial trade partner. Stability in the Gulf is non-negotiable for our economy. Our MEA must be proactive.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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