April 05, LNW(Colombo): Iran has claimed that it shot down a US C-130 support aircraft over the southern region of Isfahan on Sunday, according to reports from the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Iranian authorities stated that the aircraft was brought down by heavy fire from a police special forces unit. However, there has been no official confirmation from the United States regarding the incident.
Unverified reports circulating on social media suggested the aircraft may have been involved in a rescue operation for a crew member of a downed F-15 fighter jet, and that US forces may have destroyed their own plane to prevent it from falling into Iranian hands. These claims remain unconfirmed.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following a joint military offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February. Iran has since responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and other countries hosting US military assets, while also tightening control over maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz.