According to United States Central Command, “on February 14th, at approximately 2:30 PM local time, US forces in Syria engaged and shot down an Iranian-manufactured UAV attempting to conduct reconnaissance of Mission Support Site Conoco, a patrol base in northeast Syria.”

While CENTCOM did not disclose who was operating the UAV or from where it was launched, it is clear from the pictures that the aircraft is smaller than a Group III UAS, indicating a small operating radius, likely guided by a ground controller within visual line of sight.

The U.S. troops defending the Support Site Conoco have been regularly engaged by Iranian-backed proxies with rocket and missile fire, especially since the killing of Soleimani in 2020. The U.S. has been bracing for an Iranian counterattack after the Islamic Republic accused Israel of striking several facilities in January. This overflight may be an indicator of preparations for an attack on that site.

On February 14th, at approximately 2:30 PM local time, US forces in Syria engaged and shot down an Iranian-manufactured UAV attempting to conduct reconnaissance of Mission Support Site Conoco, a patrol base in northeast Syria. pic.twitter.com/3GSf8odK3w

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 15, 2023