Speculation rises over cause of US drone crash in waters off Korea

Speculation is mounting over the cause of an accident involving a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone that crashed into waters off Korea's west coast during a routine mission. The U.S. military said Tuesday MQ-9 operations will continue despite the accident, noting that all flight operations will be carried out with a heightened awareness and commitment to safety. According to the U.S. 8th Fighter Wing in Gunsan, South Jeolla Province, the drone was involved in an incident during a routine mission at around 4:35 a.m. Monday. It went down near Mal Island, off the coast of Gunsan. "No injuries or damage to public property are reported in relation to this incident, and it is currently under investigation," the unit said in a statement, noting that search efforts to salvage the aircraft are under way. The incident came two months after the U.S. military permanently stationed the surveillance-and-attack drones in Korea, following the creation of an expeditionary reconnaissance squadron at Kunsan Air Base in September. The deployment of Reapers reflects USFK efforts to extend its role beyond deteWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times