British Drone Flew Over Lebanon Before and After Deadly Israeli Strikes
Flight-tracking data analyzed by Middle East Eye reveals that a British Royal Air Force MQ-9B Protector drone operated over Lebanon on the same day Israeli airstrikes killed more than 300 people. The drone departed from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, circling areas near Baalbek and Younine in eastern Lebanon early Wednesday morning before entering Syrian airspace. It returned to the vicinity of Baalbek in the evening, hours after the intense Israeli bombardment, before departing Lebanon later that night. While the specific purpose of the flight remains unknown, the RAF states these drones support surveillance and armed operations. The UK Ministry of Defence has been questioned regarding potential coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces or intelligence sharing with Israel and the US. This incident highlights the UK's ongoing military presence in the region, including long-standing training support for the Lebanese military and controversial surveillance activities launched from Cyprus. The flights occurred shortly after a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US, raising questions about British involvement amidst escalating regional violence and significant civilian casualties in Lebanon.
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British Drone Flew Over Lebanon Before and After Deadly Israeli Strikes
Flight-tracking data analyzed by Middle East Eye reveals that a British Royal Air Force MQ-9B Protector drone operated over Lebanon on the same day Israeli airstrikes killed more than 300 people. The drone departed from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, circling areas near Baalbek and Younine in eastern Lebanon early Wednesday morning before entering Syrian airspace. It returned to the vicinity of Baalbek in the evening, hours after the intense Israeli bombardment, before departing Lebanon later that night. While the specific purpose of the flight remains unknown, the RAF states these drones support surveillance and armed operations. The UK Ministry of Defence has been questioned regarding potential coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces or intelligence sharing with Israel and the US. This incident highlights the UK's ongoing military presence in the region, including long-standing training support for the Lebanese military and controversial surveillance activities launched from Cyprus. The flights occurred shortly after a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US, raising questions about British involvement amidst escalating regional violence and significant civilian casualties in Lebanon.
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