US Shoots Down Turkish Drone Near Troops in Syria
In a significant development, the United States has taken down an armed Turkish drone that was operating in close proximity to American troops in Syria, as disclosed by the Pentagon.
This marked the very first instance of the United States engaging with an aircraft belonging to its NATO ally, Turkey.
The incident unfolded as Turkish drones were observed conducting airstrikes in Hasakah, Syria, within an area designated as an “American restricted operating zone,” located approximately 1 kilometer from US forces, according to Brigadier General Pat Ryder, spokesperson for the Pentagon.
At a later stage, one of the Turkish drones ventured back into the restricted zone, heading towards the location of US forces. It approached within less than 500 meters of the American troops, posing a threat, and was subsequently brought down by F-16 aircraft.
Brigadier General Ryder characterized this as a “regrettable incident” and reported that, for their safety, US troops were compelled to seek shelter in bunkers during the Turkish airstrikes. Fortunately, no US soldiers sustained injuries during the event.
Following the incident, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in a “fruitful” conversation with his Turkish counterpart.
Brigadier General Ryder emphasized that the decision to engage the drone was a matter of due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense in safeguarding American forces. He added, “We have no indication that Turkey was intentionally targeting US forces.”
While the US and Turkish militaries, both NATO allies, usually collaborate closely in carrying out aerial operations, American troops also work in partnership with Kurdish forces to combat Islamic State insurgents in the region.
The United States maintains a presence of approximately 900 troops in Syria, dedicated to counterterrorism missions against Islamic State militants.