Israeli UAV crashes for unknown reasons in Syria
The Israeli military said a Sky Rider drone crashed while operating over Syria, but there were no concerns about loss of information.
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The wreckage of the Sky Rider crashed near the town of Khader on June 19. Photo:Twitter |
The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed yesterday that a Sky Rider unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed near the town of Khader, southern Syria, for unknown reasons. The crash occurred amid escalating conflict in the area, with the Syrian government army preparing to launch attacks on the last opposition strongholds in Daraa and Quneitra.Sputnikreport
Several Syrian sources confirmed that the Sky Rider had been shot down, along with photos of the Israeli UAV lying on the ground in a nearly intact condition. Tel Aviv said that no sensitive information had been leaked, as the Sky Rider was only on a reconnaissance mission.
Sky Rider is a lightweight UAV developed by Elbits, Israel, specializing in short-range reconnaissance and is in service with the Israeli artillery force. The aircraft is equipped with an electric motor, can fly autonomously and transmit images to the operator in real time.
Tensions between Tel Aviv and Damascus remain high following a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian forces in Syria. US officials said Israel was behind an airstrike on government positions in eastern Syria early on June 18 that killed 52 people, but Tel Aviv declined to comment on the information.
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The town of Khader is located close to the Israel-Syria border. Graphics:Haaretz |
