USA USING 'DRONE' AIRCRAFT TO SPY ON IRAN
Sat Feb 12 2005 20:00:05 ET
The Bush administration has been flying surveillance drones over Iran to seek evidence of nuclear weapons programs and detect weaknesses in air defenses, the WASHINGTON POST is planning to splash on Sunday.
Newsroom sources tell DRUDGE: The small, pilotless planes, penetrating Iranian airspace from U.S. military facilities in Iraq, use radar, video, still photography and air filters designed to pick up traces of nuclear activity to gather information that is not accessible to satellites, the officials said.
The aerial espionage is standard in military preparations for an eventual air attack and is also employed as a tool for intimidation.
"The Iranian government, using Swiss channels in the absence of diplomatic relations with Washington, formally protested the illegal incursions, according to Iranian, European and U.S. officials."
I think a few months ago I read that the Americans were sending F-16's and the like briefly into Iranian airspace to test their defenses. Now pilotless planes. Perhaps they'll use the drones as bait - to see where the anti-aircraft guns and missle launchers are?
I wouldn't be surprised if they are gathering intelligence that can show the Iranians up as liars once and for all at the UN Security Council. We'll have solid proof this time. Though it's always best to have assets on the ground - which is also the hardest to do.
Making progress every day now, it seems...