Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Military

Iran Fired At U.S. Drone In International Airspace

Predator drone
Courtesy photo
Predator drone

Both CNN and Fox News are reporting that Iranian jets fired at a United States drone as it flew in international airspace on November 1.

Unnamed U.S. officials told CNN the Air Force's Predator drone was conducting "routine maritime surveillance" over the Persian Gulf when the two Iranian Su-25 fighter jets fired shots at the drone, but missed:

U.S. military intelligence analysts are still not sure if the Iranian pilots simply were unable to hit the drone due to lack of combat skill, or whether they deliberately were missing and had no intention of bringing down the drone. But as one of the officials said, "it doesn't matter, they fired on us."

CNN reports the jets were part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps force.

Advertisement

The Predator drone is made by General Atomics, a San Diego-based defense contractor.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.