Image taken moments before the start of the “Ghosts of Zagros” mission, during the attack on Erbil in the Ramadan War.
In the early hours of 1 March, four Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) F-4E Phantom II aircraft from the 31st Fighter Squadron conducted a strike mission against Kurdish positions as well as U.S. forces stationed at Erbil Airport. Two of the Phantoms were assigned escort duties as top cover, while the remaining two carried out the bombing role. The strike aircraft successfully completed their mission and hit the designated targets using TV-guided Qased-2 smart bombs.
During the return flight in the Iran–Iraq border region, F-16 and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft engaged the Iranian formation. Two Iranian fighter jets were reportedly hit during the engagement, though none were shot down, and all four aircraft returned to base.
At the same time, Iranian F-14AM Tomcat fighters were scrambled in support and for potential interception, but no direct aerial combat took place. The main base involved in the operation was later attacked and has since been rendered non-operational.
@imetatronink over 6,000 transponder on C-5/17/130 flights to europe and west asia since April 7, most our our tankers forward deployed, all the "elite" units, now we are in the recon by fire and SEAD phase. Of course it can be attempted.
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