New Delhi, March 29: Iran has claimed to have caused damage to the American E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft during its attacks on Sunday. The strikes targeted US aircraft stationed at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), an E-3 Sentry AWACS was damaged in the assault, along with several refueling aircraft (KC-135). This aircraft is considered crucial for the United States’ regional air surveillance and command capabilities, acting as the eyes and brains on the battlefield.
Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed to have targeted an American F-16 Fighting Falcon and an MQ-9 Reaper drone. These aircraft and drones were neutralized by air defense systems while attempting to intrude into Iran’s southern airspace.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also acknowledged on the social media platform X that its F-16 Fighting Falcon was targeted.
In an official statement released through Sepah News, the IRGC stated that the American fighter jet and drone were targeted during joint retaliatory missile and drone operations conducted by its naval and aerospace divisions. These operations were aimed at heavy industries associated with the US and Israel.
Additionally, Iran has issued a stern warning regarding potential attacks on American universities. The Iranian government has accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting Iranian universities and schools. Consequently, the IRGC has threatened to target American universities in the Middle East.
The IRGC stated that two Iranian universities have been devastated due to American and Israeli attacks. A statement from Iranian media noted, “If the US government wishes for its universities in the region to avoid retaliatory actions, it must condemn the bombing of Iranian universities by 12 PM Tehran time on March 30.”