TEHRAN: Nomadic tribes in Iran have reportedly targeted and damaged two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters in a remote mountainous region, according to Iranian state-linked sources.
As per reports from an international news agency, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that members of nomadic and Bakhtiari tribes in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province carried out the attack.
The helicopters were allegedly transporting a U.S. pilot who had earlier ejected after his aircraft was shot down by Iranian forces.
The IRGC praised the tribes for their “patriotism and bravery,” noting that the incident took place in a rugged mountainous area where Iranian military forces were not present.
According to the statement, the tribesmen used small arms, typically carried for protecting livestock, to engage the helicopters.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly show armed tribesmen firing at helicopters flying overhead.
One helicopter narrowly avoided crashing but sustained damage, and some personnel on board were injured. The wounded were later evacuated by another U.S. aircraft. The second helicopter was also reportedly damaged.
The BBC said it had contacted the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for confirmation, but no immediate response was received.
