Iranian Fighter Jet Chases US Spy Drone over Gulf

Local Editor

The Pentagon revealed Thursday that an Iranian fighter jet pursued a US surveillance drone over the Persian Gulf.

The Pentagon press secretary, George Little, said that the incident occurred on March 12 as a US Predator drone was conducting a "routine classified" surveillance mission.
An Iranian F-4 aircraft approached within 16 miles [about 25 kilometers] of the drone, which was accompanied by two US military planes.
US officials initially said one of the two planes discharged a flare as a warning to the Iranian jet. The officials, however, later denied the statement.

In November, an Iranian fighter jet fired at a Predator plane, provoking a strongly-worded protest from the United States.
As after the November incident, the Pentagon warned it would keep up surveillance flights over what it deems international waters and to safeguard US forces in the region.
Little said that "we reserve the right to protect our military assets as well as our forces and will continue to do so going forward."
In December 2011, the Iranians captured a sophisticated Sentinel spy drone after it crashed on Iranian territory, in an embarrassment for Washington.

The United States expanded its military presence around the Gulf over the past year, deploying minesweepers and F-22 fighters to the area.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org