Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has said its forces shot down a US MQ-9 drone overnight and set two tankers on fire after mines exploded along what it described as an illegal route south of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to an IRGC statement, air defence forces monitoring the airspace over the strategic strait detected the US drone overnight and immediately struck and destroyed it, reports MEHR News Agency.
At the same time, mines planted by IRGC naval forces along the southern route exploded, setting two tankers that the corps described as non-compliant on fire and bringing them to a halt.
The IRGC Navy warned that attempts to navigate the mined route would result in the assets of violators being set on fire. It added that oil companies would have to pay a higher price if what it called the “mischief” of the “arrogant US regime” continued.
In its statement, the IRGC praised the Iranian people’s resistance, saying their continued presence on the streets for more than 230 nights had secured the biggest victory and prompted mobilisation across five continents.
The corps said its naval and aerospace forces were continuously monitoring the region and remained committed to their pledge to the Leader and the people.
It also reaffirmed its control and management of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it would continue to put pressure on what it described as “world-devouring wolves”.
