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Iran hits US bases, downs MQ-9 Reaper drones as Middle East war escalates
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New DelhiJul 20, 2026 01:22 AM IST Iran has downed nearly 30 US MQ-9 Reaper drones since the war with America started in February, a US official said. (Photo: X/ @RT_com/ enhanced via AI) Even though US President Donald Trump’s administration has claimed that the American military has “demolished” Iranian infrastructure since the war began in February, Tehran is continuing to strike hard. It has reportedly damaged at least three US bases in the Middle East since the hostilities resumed in July. The US military’s bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan have sustained damage from Iranian missile and drone strikes. Along with these, a former United Nations base camp and an industrial area in Kuwait have also been hit by the Iranian military, ABC News reported. ⚡️#BREAKING Iran claims to have shot down an American MQ9 Reaper drone pic.twitter.com/qkYP5VYNmY — Global News Monitor (@GlobalNewsMontr) July 19, 2026 Asymmetric air defence challenges legacy Reaper drones Iran has downed nearly 30 US MQ-9 Reaper drones since the war with America started in February, a US official had said in the first week of July. The Reaper drones entered the US Air Force service in 2007 and have been a prominent asset for America’s counterterrorism operations in the Middle East and other conflict zones like Afghanistan and Iraq. Iranian army’s air defense unit shoots down US terrorist military’s LUCAS drone in south Follow: pic.twitter.com/nn7Aje7dRt — Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) July 19, 2026 US’ Reaper drones, which were designed to function in the surroundings where America had an upper hand over air dominance, have received a jolt from Tehran. A US MQ-9 drone was shot down over the western Iranian city of Dehloran.🇮🇷🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/frZn38JzrF — Ebrahim zulfaghari (@Zaidi1101469802) July 19, 2026 Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday claimed that its military shot down a US MQ-9 drone in the southwestern city of Ahvaz. The IRGC added that the drone was downed when it was “conducting reconnaissance and surveillance of the operational areas of the south”. Interceptions and deployment of low-cost uncrewed systems According to Tehran’s IRNA news agency, the Iranian military also successfully intercepted a US cruise missile in the western region of the country. The report added that Iranian forces’ naval air defence systems intercepted and downed an American LUCAS drone in southern Iran. US military had started using Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones in Iran earlier this year when the war broke out, Al Jazeera reported. Casualties in Jordan mark a severe escalation threshold The Iranian ballistic missile attack on an airbase in Jordan on Friday killed at least 2 US service members and injured several others. It was the first time that US troops were killed since the hostilities resumed around two weeks ago. The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with co
Updated: Jul 17, 2026 09:59 AM IST This is a breaking news story, more details awaited.At least three school students have died in a shocking incident in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district in which a train rammed a school van crossing railway tracks. According to reports, the level crossing was open at the time. As the van carrying the children to school tried to cross the tracks, an incoming train struck it hard. The injured have been rushed to the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital and some of them are in critical condition. Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
Updated: Jul 16, 2026 11:29 AM IST A vessel at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Oman, Tuesday. (Reuters)The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian sailors on vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. In an advisory to ship owners, ship managers, and personnel management firms, the DGMA warned against deployment of Indian sailors on ships that are passing through the Strait of Hormuz.“In view of the heightened security situation in the Gulf region, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), through DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026, has directed Ship Owners, Ship Managers and RPSL Companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders,” the Directorate General of Shipping said in a statement on Wednesday. The development comes as the tensions have soared in West Asia following the attack by US Central Command on Iranian targets. The strikes have met with retaliation from Tehran, which launched continued attack at US facilities in the Gulf region. US President Donald Trump has announced a blockade of the Hormuz for Iranian ships.
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