U.S. Ally Accidentally Shoots Down American MQ-9 Reaper Drone in Syria

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — A United States Air Force (USAF) MQ-9 Reaper drone was accidentally shot down by its ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in northern Syria a few days ago.

“The accidental downing of the drone, estimated to be worth $30 million (approximately RM132 million), by a partner force of the U.S. military occurred because SDF troops operating in the region identified the unmanned aircraft as a threat,” a U.S. defense official told American defense media.

The MQ-9 Reaper was engaged in a mission under “Operation Inherent Resolve,” a military and security campaign against the Islamic State (IS/DAESH), according to the U.S. defense official.

CNN was the first to report on the incident involving the downing of the MQ-9 drone by the U.S. ally.

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that the MQ-9 Reaper was shot down by the SDF.

“There is no change in our cooperation and partnership with the SDF in ensuring the defeat of ISIS,” Singh stated.

Images that surfaced on social media on December 9 showed what appeared to be the wreckage of an MQ-9 in northern Syria.

The wreckage was subsequently deliberately destroyed, likely by U.S. military personnel, to prevent it from falling into adversarial hands.

“The U.S. Air Force recovered usable components of the aircraft and destroyed the remaining parts,” the official said.

“The U.S. Central Command Air Forces are actively assessing the actions that led to the incident and will adjust tactics, techniques, and procedures to safeguard U.S., coalition, and partner forces as well as associated assets.”

General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), visited Syria and met with SDF leaders and U.S. military personnel on December 10.

The United States maintains approximately 900 troops in Syria as part of its mission to combat IS and prevent the group from regaining control of territories it previously held. — DSA