An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashed on Thursday in central Iraq at approximately 7:50 a.m. Baghdad time, Air Forces Central said in a release. The crash was not due to hostile fire, and there were no reports of civilian injuries or damage to civilian property at the crash site, AFCENT said. A board is being convened to investigate the incident. As of June 30, the Air Force had lost 48 Predators supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq since 9/11.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
