Headlines
Iran Says Several 'enemy Flying Objects' Destroyed During US Pilot Rescue Mission
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 5, 2026
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it shot down multiple “enemy flying objects,” including a U.S. C‑130 transport, two Black Hawk helicopters, and an Israeli drone near Isfahan. The claims came amid the U.S. rescue effort for a downed F‑15E pilot.
Iran says several 'enemy aircraft' destroyed during US pilot rescue mission
Details Emerge on US Rescue Operation and Aircraft Losses
DUBAI, April 5 (Reuters) - Several aircraft were destroyed in the south of Iran's Isfahan province during a U.S. mission to find a stranded airman, Iranian military officials said on Sunday.
Background of the Incident
U.S. officials told Reuters late on Saturday that a second airman whose F-15 jet was downed on Friday in Iran was rescued, a day after the first crew member was recovered.
Aircraft Destroyed During Rescue Mission
"Additional investigations by experts on the ground revealed that two C-130 military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters of the US army were destroyed by our forces," the spokesperson of the unified command of Iranian armed forces said.
Claims of Downed Drones
Separate statements by the Iranian army and Revolutionary Guards said an Israeli Hermes-900 drone as well as a U.S. MQ-9 drone were downed in Isfahan province.
Verification and Search Operations
Reuters could not immediately verify the Iranian accounts.
Scope of US Search Efforts
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said U.S. search operations were conducted from Saturday evening in three different provinces, namely Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad, and Isfahan.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Christina Fincher)
Key Takeaways
- •Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed to have destroyed several “enemy flying objects” during a joint operation, including a C‑130, two Black Hawk helicopters, and an Israeli drone over Isfahan province, amid a reported U.S. rescue mission (apnews.com).
- •The incident occurred during a high-stakes U.S. combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) operation following the downing of an F‑15E over Iran, marking the first U.S. warplane losses in the conflict and prompting urgent efforts to retrieve the crew (apnews.com).
- •This engagement underscores the escalating military tensions — Iran’s air defense capabilities remain active despite sustained U.S. and allied air operations, while the U.S. continues recovery efforts, reportedly with assistance from Israel (apnews.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Iran says several 'enemy flying objects' destroyed during US pilot rescue mission
1What did Iran's Revolutionary Guards report during the US rescue mission?
Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported that several enemy flying objects were destroyed during a US mission to find a stranded airman.
2What aircraft were downed in Isfahan according to Iranian authorities?
Iranian authorities stated that a C-130 military transport plane, two Black Hawk helicopters, and an Israeli drone were downed in Isfahan.
3Which forces participated in the operation against enemy flying objects in Iran?
Aerospace, Ground Force, Popular Units, Basij, and Police command participated in the joint operation.
4Where did the reported incidents of downed aircraft take place?
The incidents occurred in the south of Isfahan province, Iran.
5Which agencies reported the downing of foreign aircraft in Iran?
Tasnim news agency and Iran's police command reported the downing of the aircraft.
