Israeli airstrike on eastern Lebanese village kills 12

BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli airstrike on eastern Lebanese village kills 12. ehran [Iran]: Iranian media on Monday claimed that a "hostile drone" was downed by air defence systems over maritime areas near Qeshm Island, situated close to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports by the Fars news agency, the unmanned aerial vehicle was neutralised over the Persian Gulf late on Monday. Iranian forces reportedly deployed advanced indigenous defence systems to destroy the craft, utilising the country's Arash-e Kamangir interceptor drone system, which was described as a freshly integrated defence mechanism equipped with "hidden capabilities".

The news agency further emphasised the significance of the interception, noting, "This operation, which was carried out using a system with hidden capabilities, is a clear and decisive message from Iran

While Iranian media specified that the aerial craft was intercepted over regional waters, official sources refrained from identifying the origin or ownership of the drone. Furthermore, no formal press release was immediately issued by the Iranian government authorities regarding the occurrence.

Elaborating on the incident, Fars cited unnamed Iranian officials who issued a stern reminder regarding the security of the airspace, stating, "This is our warning; no radar-evading drone shall ever again breach the skies of the Persian Gulf."