Israel Shoots Down Syrian Drone That Accidentally Crossed Into Country's Airspace

Israel Shoots Down Drone — Israel said it shot down a drone that crossed into its airspace from Syria, near Quneitra in the Golan Heights. The area has been the site of heavy clashes between Syrian rebels and government forces. Reuters

Israel shot down a drone from Syria that accidentally crossed into the country’s airspace, the Associated Press reported. The drone entered Israel near Quneitra in the Golan Heights.

Moments ago, the IDF intercepted a UAV that breached Israeli airspace from Syria near Quneitra. The UAV was targeted by a "Patriot" missile.
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) August 31, 2014

Israel “will respond to any breach of Israel's sovereignty,” Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an Israel Defense Forces representative said, according to AP. Lerner said the drone accidentally flew into Israel airspace. Reports do not indicate whether the drone was carrying photography equipment or explosives, Haaretz said.

The Golan Heights has been the site of heavy fighting between Syrian rebels and government forces. The rebels took control of the area Wednesday, and Israel closed the border crossing with Syria. Subsequently, 32 Filipino United Nations peacekeepers trapped in the Golan Heights were rescued Saturday, but the whereabouts of 44 Fijian U.N. peacekeepers are still unknown, Reuters reported.

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