An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie from Creech AFB, Nev., early on Dec. 11, 432nd Wing officials stated. The Reaper went down in an unpopulated area approximately one mile east of the base. Emergency responders were able to cordon off the wreck-site, and no Air Force or civilian personnel were injured in the mishap. Wing officials will release more information as it becomes available, according to a release. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.