News reports and official statements from the Israeli government and IDF

Israel Forces IRGC-Linked Flight QFZ9964 to Turn Back; Lebanon Bans Iranian Planes

Sep 28, 2024, 08:56 AM

According to multiple reports, Israel has warned Lebanon against allowing an Iranian plane, flight QFZ9964 operated by Qeshm Fars Air and affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), to land at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) allegedly hacked into the airport's control tower communications, threatening to 'destroy the airport' if the plane landed. The Iranian aircraft made a U-turn over Iraqi airspace and returned to Iran. In response, Lebanon's Minister of Transportation has reportedly banned the entry of Iranian planes into the country. The incident highlights increasing tensions in the region over suspected arms smuggling activities.