IRGC Claims Destruction of US AWACS Surveillance Aircraft in Saudi Arabia

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a major strike targeting a United States military installation in Saudi Arabia, alleging that a key surveillance aircraft was destroyed during the operation.

In an official statement, the IRGC said its aerospace division conducted a coordinated missile and drone attack that successfully hit a Boeing E-3 Sentry, commonly known as an Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS). The aircraft is widely used for airborne surveillance, command, and control operations.

According to the statement, the strike was carried out in retaliation for what Iran described as hostile actions by U.S. forces. The IRGC asserted that the aircraft was “completely destroyed,” adding that nearby military assets also sustained heavy damage.

Images circulating online reportedly show wreckage at a U.S.-operated base in Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft had been deployed. The visuals suggest that the strike targeted a critical section of the plane near its radar system, which is essential for reconnaissance and operational coordination.

The aircraft involved is believed to have been deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, a key hub for U.S. Air Force surveillance operations.

The reported strike comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran continuing its retaliatory operations following recent military developments involving the United States and its allies.

In a related claim, Iranian officials stated that another operation targeted a facility in the United Arab Emirates, allegedly linked to anti-drone systems, highlighting the expanding scope of the conflict.

The situation underscores growing instability in the Middle East, as both sides continue to exchange military actions, raising concerns about further escalation involving strategic assets and regional security.