The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) says its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-1 drone over Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. 

In a statement on Saturday, the IRGC’s public relations office said the drone was shot down at around 2:30 p.m. by an advanced air defense system operated by the IRGC Aerospace Force.

The statement described the aircraft as a reconnaissance and combat drone belonging to the US military’s MQ-1 family, calling the interception another failure of enemy reconnaissance missions.

According to the IRGC, this brings the number of US MQ-1 drones it has destroyed to 17. The IRGC also said its forces have so far shot down 56 MQ-9 drones.

The MQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft developed by General Atomics and operated primarily by the US Air Force.

The aircraft has been widely used in US military and surveillance operations across the West Asia region and beyond.

IRGC intercepts, shoots down 54th US MQ-9 Reaper drone since start of US-Israeli aggression

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has intercepted and shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest downing comes amid heightened tensions in the region and repeated warmongering by American officials and the Zionist regime to carry out fresh aggression against Iran.

Since the war began on February 28, Iranian forces have intercepted and shot down dozens of US aircraft, including both drones and manned fighter jets.

According to the IRGC Aerospace Force, US equipment captured by Iran during the recent wars is undergoing reverse engineering and redesign.