Iran TV says downed Israeli drone took off from Azerbaijan

An Israeli spy drone which Iran recently downed on its way to one of the Iranian nuclear site had taken off from an air base in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Press TV reported, citing unnamed sources.

The sources said the Hermes drone, which was taken down by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) forces on August 23 after 300 kilometers of flight, was bound for the Natanz enrichment facility in central Iran. 

The revelation about the Israeli drone's launch site indicates Baku’s involvement in the spying mission, the unnamed sources claimed.

The stealth spy drone was targeted by a surface-to-air missile before it reached the strategic location.

Iran’s nuclear facilities have been a regular target for espionage activities by US and Israeli secret services, which have at times used drones for this purpose. 

However, all efforts made to this end have been successfully thwarted by the Iranian military forces.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry last month denied allegations that the drone took off from Nakhchivan. Officials in Baku have repeatedly said no country will be allowed to use Azerbaijani territory or airspace against Iran.

Bakudaily.Az