Iran claims destruction of two US aircraft, two helicopters

Iran has claimed to have destroyed two US C-130 transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters during an operation to rescue missing pilots, according to a BBC report.

Some video footage related to the incident was released online on Sunday, April 5. Multiple verified images and videos show smoking aircraft wreckage in a mountainous area of central Iran, with mountain peaks visible in the background. Through 3D analysis of Google Earth, the BBC confirmed the wreckage is located approximately 50 kilometres south-east of Isfahan city.

Iran's military claimed the US aircraft and helicopters were destroyed while trying to flee from an abandoned airport in south Isfahan.

CBS News, however, reported that US forces destroyed the two transport aircraft themselves for fear they might fall into enemy hands. The BBC could not independently verify either claim.

Iran also claimed that the rescue operation for missing US pilots had failed. While US President Donald Trump claimed the operation was successful, Iran has rejected this.

The spokesperson for Iran's central military headquarters 'Khatam al-Anbiya' said in a statement that US forces' attempts to recover downed pilots had failed due to resistance from Iranian forces.

The US had earlier reported that an exchange of gunfire occurred between US and Iranian forces during the operation. Iran has claimed that the US is trying to hide its defeat by publicising the success of the operation.