Flying unarmed: US MQ-9 Reaper drones gather intelligence on hostages over Gaza Strip
The United States began using MQ-9 Reaper drones to monitor the Gaza Strip. The Pentagon has officially recognized the use of UAVs.
The US uses multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles to collect information about hostages. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Hamas terrorists captured approximately 240 people, including U.S. citizens.
Earlier today, a drone that was tracked from a position off the coast of Crete flew over Gaza for just under 3 hours.
What was not visible on flight trackers were two MQ-9A Extended Range Reaper drones also in the area: REMIX22 & REMIX55 from NAS Sigonella. #ADSB #E9D001 1/2 https://t.co/wtqFbS6CQe pic.twitter.com/rbN4etxf4F
– Amelia Smith (@ameliairheart) October 29, 2023
The MQ-9 Reaper can carry AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles. However, the United States uses drones only for surveillance. According to the Pentagon, the drones do not carry any weapons.
The US official refused to specify the details of the mission. In addition, the United States does not want to disclose which agency owns the MQ-9 Reaper drones flying over the Gaza Strip.
