On Monday, Kurdish-led forces in Syria, allied with the United States, shot down an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone after mistakenly identifying it as a threat. The incident occurred while troops from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—a key ally in the fight against the Islamic State—were conducting operations in the region.
The MQ-9 was operating over Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, which supports the campaign against remnants of the Islamic State. Following the downing, U.S. forces salvaged parts of the drone and destroyed the remainder, as confirmed by a U.S. official to Defense News.
The official stated that U.S. Air Forces Central Command is actively assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident and plans to adjust tactics, techniques, and procedures to ensure the safety of U.S., coalition, and partner forces along with their associated assets.
The situation for the SDF has become increasingly precarious following the ousting of President Bashar Assad. Turkey, which shares a border with Syria, accused the SDF of having links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization.
Recent reports from The Telegraph indicate that the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) began advancing toward the Kurdish-controlled city of Manbij earlier this week. This movement prompted U.S. involvement in brokering a ceasefire between the SNA and SDF. In response to the rapid changes in the region, U.S. forces, including B-52 Stratofortress bombers, A-10 Warthog attack planes, and F-15 fighters, conducted airstrikes targeting 75 ISIS locations shortly after the fall of Assad’s regime.
Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News and has previously covered military issues for various publications. He has reported from the Middle East on U.S. Air Force operations.
