US Navy Shoots Down Iranian Drone Near USS Abraham Lincoln
Zoom Chronicle News | Arabian Sea:
The United States Navy shot down an Iranian drone after it aggressively approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, US Central Command said on Tuesday. According to officials, the incident took place in international waters in the Arabian Sea. At the time, the carrier strike group was conducting routine operations about 500 miles (800 kilometres) from Iran’s southern coast. As a result, US forces moved quickly amid rising regional tensions.
Drone Ignored Warnings Despite De-Escalatory Efforts
According to US Central Command, the drone showed “unclear intent” as it flew toward the aircraft carrier. However, US forces issued repeated warnings during the encounter. Despite this, the drone ignored several de-escalatory measures. Later, officials identified the unmanned aircraft as a Shahed-139 drone. Because of its behaviour, CENTCOM said the drone posed a direct threat to the ship and its crew.
F-35C Fighter Jet Takes Defensive Action
Consequently, an F-35C fighter jet operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln intercepted and destroyed the drone. US officials said the action followed standard self-defence protocols. “Therefore, the fighter jet shot down the Iranian drone to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board,” CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said. Meanwhile, the US military confirmed that no service members were injured. Additionally, officials reported no damage to equipment.
Strait of Hormuz Incident Adds to Tensions
Meanwhile, the drone shootdown occurred on the same day Iranian gunboats approached a US-flagged oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. According to maritime risk analysts, the boats ordered the tanker to stop and prepare for boarding. Instead, the vessel accelerated and continued sailing. Soon after, a US warship escorted the tanker. However, Iranian state media claimed the vessel briefly entered Iranian waters without permission before leaving. Overall, the Strait of Hormuz remains a key shipping route and a frequent flashpoint. In recent years, Iran has seized several vessels amid sanctions-related disputes.
