TEHRAN: A United States Navy fighter jet has shot down an Iranian drone near a U.S. aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea, according to reports citing Reuters.
The incident occurred after an Iranian Shahed-139 drone was detected flying toward the USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier deployed in the region. A U.S. F-35 fighter jet intercepted and destroyed the drone before it could pose a threat, officials said.
U.S. defense sources stated that the action was taken in self-defense to ensure the safety of American naval assets and personnel. No damage or casualties were reported as a result of the incident.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with increased military activity in and around key maritime routes, including the Arabian Sea. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while no immediate response has been announced by Iran.
More details are expected as the situation develops.
