Iran's sensational claim: 2 helicopters attempting to rescue US pilot shot down, escalating gulf tension
The US military confirmed the helicopters were hit, but all personnel are safe. Iran has offered a reward for information on the missing pilot
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has made a bold claim of having safely rescued one of his pilots from inside Iran. Trump has patted himself on the back for this daring rescue operation, but Iran, on the other hand, has presented a different story regarding the entire matter. Iran claims that it shot down several US aircraft and flying objects during the operation to rescue the pilot. This bold claim and counterattack has given a dangerous twist to the already simmering tensions in West Asia.
Iran claims – we shot down American planes
Iran's police command issued a statement stating that they shot down a US C-130 aircraft in southern Isfahan. This joint operation was carried out by Iran's Aerospace Forces, Ground Forces, and Popular Units. Furthermore, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters also claimed that the Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces destroyed two US Black Hawk helicopters mid-air. Earlier, the Iranian military also claimed to have destroyed two Israeli drones.
Trump retorted, saying, "We have control over Iran's skies"
Completely rejecting Iran's claims of losses, President Donald Trump said that the US military did not suffer even a single loss in their rescue operation. Trump said that this successful operation proves to the whole world that only America rules even in the skies of Iran. Along with this, Trump made a sensational claim on his social media platform Truth Social that many top Iranian military officers have been eliminated in a massive attack in Tehran. Trump also shared a video in which smoke can be seen rising, although it is not clear from which place this clip is.
Iran warns of destruction of military bases
Iran has been deeply enraged by the US president's claims. General Ali Abdullahi Ali Abadi of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has issued an open warning to the US, stating that any US or Israeli attack on their infrastructure would lead to devastating and sustained attacks on all US military assets and Israeli bases in West Asia.
Five Iranians killed in shooting
Amidst this entire incident, Iranian media has made another serious claim. According to local media reports, the US military was searching for its pilot in the Koh-e-Siah area last night. At least five Iranians were killed in the intense gunfire that ensued. All the deceased were reportedly residents of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad provinces.