Posted on 12/27/2011 2:06:43 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Afghan officials say an American reconnaissance drone has crashed in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktia, Press TV reports.
A Tuesday statement released by NATO confirmed the incident but claimed that the unmanned aircraft made an emergency landing “due to technical malfunction.”
According to locals, US-led forces have cordoned off the site of the incident.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid also claimed that members of the militant group shot down the drone in the Ahmadabad district of the province.
The Taliban say they have shot down several aircraft and NATO choppers in different parts of Afghanistan over the past few months.
Activities by the militants have persisted despite the presence of around 150,000 US-led forces in Afghanistan.
The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 under the pretext of combating terrorism and eradicating the Taliban militancy but its failure has forced Washington to turn to negotiation with the militants.
The Taliban have steadily stepped up their attacks on the US-led forces, inflicting heavy casualties and damage on them.
“Kids! Be the first on your block to get the whole collection.”
So you would prefer dead pilots to accompany the downed aircraft?
Drones go places and do things that we wouldn't send manned vehicles to do in the first place.
UAVs are much much better than human piloted aircraft for these missions; they can stay aloft for longer periods, at lower altitudes and lower speeds, and are expendible, not to mention cheaper.
Do I detect a hint of sarcasm? :-)
Tahibeen are our friends /s
Yes that claim was used to justify ending the F-22, and trying to end the F-35.
Even here.
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