Israel blocks Iranian plane from landing in Damascus

Syrian opposition media have reported that an Iranian Mahan Air flight en route from Tehran to Damascus on Thursday was forced to return to Iran following a warning from Israel.

The aircraft reportedly turned back after its pilots, acting on instructions from higher authorities, decided not to proceed with landing in Syria.

According to the reports, the flight was carrying a shipment of ammunition and had planned to land at an airport under Russian control. The Russians allegedly denied the landing, fearing an Israeli airstrike in response.

On the same day, another flight reportedly returned to Tehran under similar circumstances. Syrian opposition sources claim such incidents are becoming increasingly common.

Mahan Air, identified by the U.S. Treasury Department as a supporter of terrorism in 2011, has long been linked to Iran’s Quds Force and the IRGC. The airline has faced international scrutiny for allegedly transporting weapons and personnel to conflict zones in the region.

* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.