Drones Are Now Top Threat In Syria: US Air Force Shoots Down Iranian Drone

A U.S.-led coalition aircraft shot down an unmanned drone in Eastern Syria's Deir al-Zour province Saturday, months after the U.S. Central Command expressed concern over the use of weaponized drones to attack U.S. forces in the region. "Coalition aircraft successfully engaged and defeated a UAS through air to air engagement in the vicinity of Mission Support Site Green Village," Reuters quoted coalition spokesperson U.S. Army Colonel Wayne Marotto. While the coalition refused to reveal the type of aircraft used or other details citing security issues, a report by Aviation Week said a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle used an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile to hit the UAS. The report added that Brig. Gen. Christopher Sage, commander of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, was piloting the F-15E that fired the missile.