Iran: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that it successfully shot down another US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island, located in the Gulf near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This incident marks the 53rd US MQ-9 drone reportedly downed by Iranian forces, as per the IRGC statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the drone was detected and destroyed at 10.12 am local time (0642GMT) using a newly deployed advanced air defense system operated by the IRGC Aerospace Force. This system is part of Iran's integrated air defense network, which has been actively engaging aerial threats in the region.

The downing of the drone is the latest in a series of drone interceptions by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The ongoing military exchanges between Iran and the US have intensified since February 28, following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US military bases in the region.