IRGC Says It Destroyed US Surveillance Balloon Over Northern Iraq
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards says the fixed surveillance system was targeted over Erbil as Tehran intensifies its response to US military operations in the region.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says its Aerospace Force has destroyed a US military surveillance balloon over Erbil in northern Iraq, describing the operation as part of efforts to disrupt American reconnaissance capabilities in the region.
The claim was reported by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency on Sunday. The IRGC said the surveillance system was targeted and destroyed in the early hours of Wednesday, September 2, after being deployed near Erbil Airport.
According to the report, the system was a fixed-position surveillance balloon rather than a conventional free-flying balloon. It was described as operating from a specific point in the sky and functioning similarly to an aerial observation tower.
The IRGC said the balloon was approximately 35 metres long and capable of carrying up to 500 kg of equipment. It said the system could remain airborne for up to a month and monitor its surroundings continuously.
The report said the platform could carry a range of equipment, including electronic surveillance systems, communications relay equipment and electronic-warfare technology. Its primary function over Erbil was assessed to be aerial reconnaissance and surveillance.
The IRGC also said the balloon was destroyed by Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicles operated by its Aerospace Force.
The reported downing comes amid renewed military exchanges between Iran and the United States following a period of relative calm.
US forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on August 30, with a US official saying the launchers were being prepared for attacks involving sea mines. Iran subsequently launched ballistic missiles at US forces in Jordan, while the IRGC vowed further retaliation.
On September 1, US forces also carried out strikes against Iranian air-defence, radar and communications sites in southern Iran. A strike in Kuhestak, where a wedding was taking place, killed civilians and injured dozens, according to Iranian officials. The United States has said it does not intentionally target civilians and Vice President JD Vance said Washington was investigating the incident.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against US military positions in several countries across the region, including Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.
The latest confrontation has also extended to US naval assets. The IRGC said on Saturday that its Aerospace Force launched ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and an American destroyer involved in what Tehran described as Washington’s naval blockade of Iran.
Iranian state television subsequently reported that the vessels were hit and withdrew from the area, although the claim has not been independently verified.
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