U.S. Ally Accidentally Shoots Down American MQ-9 Reaper Drone in Syria
"The accidental downing of the drone, estimated to be worth $30 million (approximately RM132 million), by a U.S. partner force occurred because SDF troops operating in the region identified the unmanned aircraft as a threat," a U.S. military official stated.
(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.
