A video purportedly showing a US F-15 Eagle chasing suspected Iranian Shahed-136 drones over Iraqi airspace has gone viral on social media. The footage is being shared with claims that the fighter jet failed to intercept the drones. The footage, widely shared by Iran-backed accounts, appears to capture a high-speed aerial pursuit, with the fighter jet chasing multiple drones. Moments later, a large explosion is seen on the ground, followed by a thick plume of smoke. Claims accompanying the video suggest that at least two drones evaded interception despite the presence of the advanced US aircraft.
Social media users claimed the aircraft seen in the video is an F-15 Eagle, allegedly attempting to intercept Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. Posts on X suggested that the $1 million American jet "failed to intercept" at least two "cheap" $20,000 Iranian Shahed-136 drones.
Here's the video
The video is believed to be linked to a reported Iranian strike on a British-linked oil facility in Erbil, Iraq, which triggered a massive fire. However, neither the United States nor its allies has officially confirmed the authenticity of the footage or the claims surrounding the incident.
Iran's state broadcaster, Press TV, has also released a video depicting an aerial engagement between a Shahed drone and a US F-15 fighter jet, in which the US Air Force F-15 appears to fail in its attempt to shoot down the Iranian Shahed drone over Iraqi airspace. Following the incident, the video is rapidly going viral on social media, sparking a renewed debate regarding the military capabilities of both sides amidst the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.
Drone attack hits northern Iraq fuel warehouse
Earlier on Wednesday, a multi-drone attack targeted a fuel warehouse in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The facility, linked to BP and operated under its subsidiary Castrol, was reportedly hit, according to a statement by the Sardar Group, a major automotive company in Iraq.
The strike caused a massive blaze, with thick black smoke seen rising into the sky in videos circulating online. The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the region.
The developments come amid heightened tensions, following warnings issued by Iran's ambassador to the United Kingdom, further fuelling speculation about a potential escalation involving regional and global powers.
What is Iran's Shahed-136 drone?
The Shahed-136 is an inexpensive yet effective attack drone developed by Iran, reportedly costing approximately $20,000. In contrast, the US F-15 fighter jet carries a price tag exceeding $10 million. The Iranian side is citing this incident as proof of the US Air Force's limited effectiveness. They contend that in modern warfare, expensive fighter jets often struggle against inexpensive drones; while drones like the Shahed possess lower speeds, they can evade radar detection by flying at low altitudes and are deployed for large-scale attacks. This incident has occurred amidst the tense conflict between Iran on one side, and the United States and Israel on the other. In recent weeks, Iran has repeatedly claimed that its air defense systems have targeted U.S. and Israeli drones and jets.
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