Forces at Iraqi Base Hosting US Troops Shoot Down Drone

Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base. AP file photo
Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base. AP file photo
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Forces at Iraqi Base Hosting US Troops Shoot Down Drone

Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base. AP file photo
Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base. AP file photo

Forces at Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts US troops, intercepted and shot down a drone while it was hovering near the base early on Friday, US-led coalition and Iraqi security sources said.

The forces, using US air defense systems, shot down an armed unmanned aerial system entering the base at around 1:46 a.m. (2246 GMT), the Combined Joint Task Force, Operation Inherent Resolve, said on Twitter.

The incident, which is under investigation, caused no injuries or damage, the force said.

Iraqi officials were not immediately available for comment.



Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Military to Maintain ‘Combat Readiness’

The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 
The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 
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Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Military to Maintain ‘Combat Readiness’

The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 
The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 

Egyptian Defense Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Abdel Majeed Saqr has called on the military to maintain “the highest levels of efficiency and combat readiness, enhance skill and physical fitness through continuous training, and preserve high morale so that the Armed Forces remain the nation’s strong shield.”

Saqr’s remarks came during a meeting with members of the Special Forces – paratroopers and commandos - attended by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa and several senior commanders.

According to a statement by Egypt’s military spokesperson on Sunday, the visit was part of a series of meetings to assess the morale, combat efficiency, and readiness of the personnel, as well as their role in safeguarding national security.

Special Forces Commander Abdel Qader Amara Habib said that the troops work day and night to preserve the security and stability of the nation, pointing to “the strong support provided by the General Command to enable its soldiers to fulfill their duties with skill and competence as part of the Armed Forces’ integrated system.”

During the visit, Saqr conveyed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s greetings and appreciation to the Special Forces fighters, affirming “the General Command’s recognition of the great efforts made by these men to protect the nation and safeguard its sanctities.” He also praised the “self-discipline of the Armed Forces personnel and their dedication to sacrificing whatever it takes to preserve Egypt’s resources and the welfare of its people.”

Two days ago, Saqr had met with soldiers of the Southern Military Zone, urging them to remain on high alert to carry out any mission under all circumstances. He also stressed the importance of ongoing awareness to keep up with developments and events on all levels.

Last week, the defense minister also met with troops from the Second Field Army, as part of ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces’ leadership to engage with soldiers and update them on the latest developments affecting Egypt’s national security.

In remarks at that time, Saqr reiterated the General Command’s commitment to caring for the individual fighter and improving combat performance so that personnel can execute all assigned missions efficiently under any conditions.