Exclusive footage recorded by China Media Group (CMG) on Monday shows the wreckage of U.S. military aircraft left behind in the southern part of Iran's Isfahan province, following an American rescue operation in the area.
On April 3, a U.S. twin-seat fighter jet was shot down over Iran's Isfahan Province. Both crew members ejected and survived, according to U.S. officials, who said one was rescued shortly after the crash, while the other was not recovered until two days later.
Meanwhile, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the unified command of the Iranian armed forces said on Sunday that four U.S. military aircraft, including two C-130 Hercules military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters, had been shot down during the U.S. mission to rescue the pilot, according to the official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
The aircraft were targeted during joint operations by the forces of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), army, voluntary Basij fighters and law enforcement in the south of central Isfahan Province, IRNA reported.
The two sides have offered conflicting accounts of the U.S. rescue operation and the downing of the aircraft.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that U.S. forces had rescued both, with no American casualties. One day later, he added that the second crew member was rescued with serious injuries.
U.S. sources said hundreds of U.S. special forces entered Iran overnight on Saturday to rescue the pilot. Two C-130 transport planes broke down during the mission, the sources said, adding that U.S. forces destroyed four helicopters and the two disabled planes prior to withdrawing to prevent them from being captured.
However, sources within Iran's military said that further investigations had shown that the four U.S. aircraft were shot down. The U.S. attempted a rescue operation at an abandoned airport in Isfahan, but Iranian forces intervened in time, leading to the "complete failure" of the U.S. rescue mission, they said.
Footage shows wreckage of US warplanes left behind in southern Isfahan after rescue mission
Footage shows wreckage of US warplanes left behind in southern Isfahan after rescue mission
Footage shows wreckage of US warplanes left behind in southern Isfahan after rescue mission
The Italian capital Rome, one of the world's most famous tourism destinations, is looking to live up to its nickname of the "Eternal City" by doubling down on efforts to protect and promote its historical sites as visitor numbers rise.
The city welcomed a record number of 22.9 million tourist arrivals last year as its popularity as a premier tourism spot continued to climb. But as more and more people flock to Rome's landmark sites, authorities are taking steps to keep things under control.
Visitors hoping to get up close to the city's 264-year-old Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Roman Baroque architecture and one of the world's most famous landmarks, must now pay a small fee after Rome Council introduced a 2-euro entry price to access the fountain's lower basin
"During February, we had around 230,000 tickets sold. This system guarantees a much more orderly access for tourists," said Giorgio Trabucco, vice president of the Rome Tourism Commission.
The measure was brought in to combat overcrowding, and also follows a series of incidents involving tourists sitting, eating, and even jumping into the historic waters.
"It's clear there have been episodes of disrespect. It's a difficult challenge, but our administration, with interventions like this – managing tourism not limiting it – is an added value for our city," said Trabucco.
The funds raised by the entrance tickets will go towards security, cleaning and maintenance of the ancient site, and while some tourists are annoyed at having to fork out, the majority believe it's money well spent.
"I would pay 2 euros, it's not breaking the bank and it's lovely to see," said a tourist.
Meanwhile, at the newly-upgraded Colosseum Metro Station, history is very much part of the journey, with ancient artifacts which were uncovered during the subway line's construction on display to the public for free.
It points to the fine balancing act facing city management, as it looks to preserve its cultural heritage while also keeping it open to everyone.
Paolo Aielli, head of Rome's public transport company ATAC, said conserving the past while building for the future depends on close cooperation across different interest groups.
"(We have adopted a very co-operative model) because we have the responsibility in terms of engineering but at the same time we have a very important interaction with the archaeological authority," he said.
The new "museum station" -- which opened late last year -- is part of Rome's expanding rail network, and has quickly become an attraction in its own right. According to Aielli, the station received more than 1 million visitors in its first month.
For now, officials say there are no plans to introduce fees at other major sites, though the option remains on the table as tourism continues to rise.
Rome steps up efforts to protect historical sites amid tourism boom
