A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance drone crashed in northern Syria, in an area controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Footage circulating on social media shows the drone wreckage, including its distinct tail design, confirming it as a MQ-9 Reaper.
No identifying marks are visible.
Observers speculate that the crash was likely caused by a technical malfunction, as there is no evidence of a weapon strike.
According to Militarnyi, the drone was reportedly conducting reconnaissance operations in Syria, where opposition forces recently overthrew the regime of Bashar al-Assad, a development that has destabilized the region further.
About the MQ-9 Reaper
The MQ-9 Reaper is a versatile reconnaissance and strike drone, designed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
Known for its long endurance and high-precision targeting capabilities, the Reaper first flew in 2001 as an advanced successor to the MQ-1 Predator.
Key Specifications:
Length: 11 meters
Wingspan: 20 meters
Max Speed: Over 400 km/h
Flight Duration: Up to 28 hours (Reaper ER version: up to 33 hours)
Operational Ceiling: 15,000 meters
The Reaper can carry 1,700 kg of payload, including precision munitions, and is powered by a Honeywell TP331-10 turboprop engine.
Context of the Crash
The crash occurred amid escalating instability in Syria.
On December 8, Israeli airstrikes destroyed several helicopters and air defense systems at the Mezzeh airbase in Damascus, following its seizure by opposition forces.
The Mezzeh airbase, previously a logistics hub for storing weapons and ammunition, was a significant strategic target in Israel’s operations to prevent advanced weaponry from falling into the wrong hands.
