Iran tests new attack drones in war game near Strait of Hormuz
- The Ababil-5 was used in the drill for the first time, and successfully hit a target with a bomb after travelling 400km, state media reported
- Such weapons have been a source of tension with the US and allies, amid reports that Russia is using the Tehran-supplied weapons in its Ukraine invasion
Iran’s military tested new attack drones in the coastal area of the Gulf of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz Saturday as part of its ongoing annual drill, state television reported.
Meanwhile, anti-government protests under way for over three months continued. Videos on social media showed protests in Tehran’s grand bazaar and several cities and towns including in the Kurdish area.
Part of Tehran’s bazaar closed in the wake of the protests which authorities cracked down on.
State television said the Ababil-5 attack drone was used during war games for the first time and successfully hit its target with a bomb after travelling 400km (250 miles). Iran has tested many other military drones over the past decade.
The military drones have been a point of contention between Iran and the United States and its allies, which claim Tehran is supplying Moscow with drones that have been used in attacks in West-backed Ukraine.