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Earlier today, the United States made headlines after neutralizing a pro-Syrian drone by shooting it down.  According to a statement from the U.S.-led international coalition, the drone was

counteracted after "after it displayed hostile intent and advanced on Coalition forces that were

manning an established combat outpost to the northeast of At Tanf where they are training and

advising partner ground forces in the fight against ISIS." The Iranian-made Shahed 129 drone

was deemed as a threat after it appearing to be shooting in the direction of American troops.

A month earlier, an identical drone was shot down after releasing weaponry in the area where

troops and local forces were preparing to engage in combat against ISIS. According to reports

from CNN, the repeated use of drones near the Syrian-Jordanian border has increased

considerably since coalition forces banned together to develop a Syrian rebel group in opposition

to ISIS. The drones appear to be perceived as threats, however the true intention of the one shot

down today remains unknown. Additionally, the U.S. F/A-18 was forced to neutralize a warplane

a few days ago after the latter released bombs on Syrian Democratic Forces fighting against ISIS

in the Tabqah area.

So far, it appears as though the drones and warplanes could potentially be coming from ISIS or

ISIS supporters, although this still remains to be seen. Many of these aircrafts give the

impression of monitoring or even attempting to sabotage anti-ISIS forces. The Iranian-made

Shahed 129 that was shot down today is the second one to be counteracted; its possible relation

to the regime warplane remains unknown. At this point and time, the U.S. is taking measures to

protect our troops and our allies.

The neutralization of the Iranian drones prompted the Russian ministry of defense to terminate

de-confliction with the U.S. coalition. This change was enacted as a means to avert any mishaps

in Syrian skies. A statement from the Russian ministry of defense also indicated that coalition

aircrafts which steer west of the Euphrates River would be swiftly monitored and deemed as air

targets. Air targets, also known as airstrikes, are defined as “offensive operations carried out by

attack aircraft.”

Today’s conflict also caused the Australian government to declare their decision to temporarily

cease any and all airstrikes in Syria. According to Austrailia, America’s involvement in the

Syrian civil war has placed them in a very “difficult position.”