TEHRAN / WESTERN IRAN — The Israel Defense Forces has confirmed the destruction of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) helicopter in a targeted airstrike at an airport in western Iran, marking another escalation in its ongoing aerial campaign.
According to military statements, the Israeli Air Force struck an Mi-17 helicopter stationed at Sanandaj Airport in Iran’s western region. The strike was reportedly carried out using precise real-time intelligence, underscoring Israel’s expanding operational reach inside Iranian territory.
Israeli officials said the helicopter belonged to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a key branch of Iran’s military responsible for both domestic security and regional operations. The destruction of the aircraft is seen as part of a broader effort to degrade Iran’s air capabilities and limit its ability to respond to ongoing strikes.
The military also reported additional operations in the area, including strikes on Basij militia positions and the killing of at least one operative guarding a base in western Iran. These actions form part of a wider campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure, personnel, and support networks.
Israeli defense sources emphasized that the operation contributes to growing air superiority over western Iran, as the conflict continues to intensify across multiple fronts. The strike follows a series of attacks on Iranian military assets, including aircraft, missile systems, and strategic facilities.
The incident comes amid a rapidly escalating regional war involving Israel, Iran, and allied forces, with both sides exchanging missile, drone, and air strikes across several countries. Analysts warn that continued targeting of military infrastructure deep inside Iran could provoke further retaliation and expand the scope of the conflict.
As tensions remain high, the destruction of the IRGC helicopter highlights the increasingly direct and high-stakes nature of the confrontation, with both sides demonstrating advanced strike capabilities and a willingness to operate far beyond traditional frontlines.