The U.S. Military Uses Surveillance Drones to Locate Hostages in Gaza
The U.S. military has been conducting unarmed surveillance drone flights over Gaza in an effort to gather information about American and other hostages held by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. This revelation was confirmed by the Pentagon on November 3.
Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder stated in an email to Air & Space Forces Magazine that the United States has been using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to fly over Gaza since Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people, mostly Israeli civilians celebrating a Jewish holiday.
“In support of hostage recovery efforts, the U.S. is conducting unarmed UAV flights over Gaza, as well as providing advice and assistance to support our Israeli partner as they work on their hostage recovery efforts,” said Brig. Gen. Ryder.
In late October, the U.S. government reported that 10 Americans were still unaccounted for nearly a month after Hamas’s attack in Israel. It was noted that a “significant number” of the missing individuals may have been taken as hostages and brought back to Gaza.
The UAV flights, which are carrying out surveillance missions, were initially detected by online flight trackers.
“Earlier today, a drone that was tracked from a position off the coast of Crete loitered over Gaza for just under 3 hours,” stated aviation researcher Amelia Smith in an October 29 tweet. “What wasn’t visible on flight trackers were two MQ-9A Extended Range Reaper drones also in the area: REMIX22 & REMIX55 from NAS Sigonella.”
The MQ-9 Reaper UAV, according to the U.S. Air Force, is primarily used for intelligence gathering. It can remain airborne at altitudes of around 50,000 feet for over 27 hours, collecting intelligence through advanced cameras, sensors, and radars. With a 66-foot wingspan, a Honeywell engine, and the ability to carry 3,900 pounds of fuel, the Reaper has a maximum speed of 240 knots (276 mph).
An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) is parked in a hanger at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nev., on Nov. 17, 2015. (Isaac Brekken/Getty Images)
The Reaper, which has been in service with the U.S. Air Force for 16 years, can also be equipped with air-to-ground missiles.
MQ-9s have been acquired by various organizations and air forces, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the UK Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force, and the Spanish Air Force. The task of rescuing the hostages taken by Hamas is further complicated by the fact that many of them may be held in the terrorist group’s extensive underground tunnel network. Additionally, Hamas has a history of using civilians as human shields to protect their fighters.
On November 3, the Biden administration revealed that efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas have been an “incredibly intense process” with no guarantees of success.
“We are going to do everything possible to ensure the safe return of all hostages from Gaza,” stated a senior Biden administration official during a press call. However, the official acknowledged that the situation is “incredibly difficult, complex, and time-consuming” due to the large number of hostages held by Hamas.
The official mentioned that the release of two American hostages last month demonstrated what is possible, but communicating with Hamas and securing the release of the remaining hostages remains challenging. “We are hopeful and doing everything we possibly can to get hostages out, but there’s absolutely no guarantee that it’s going to happen, or when it’s going to happen.”
Gaza City Surrounded
Israel’s military announced on November 3 that it has encircled Gaza City and initiated targeted attacks on Hamas. The city in the northern part of Gaza has become the focal point of Israeli retaliation, as the country aims to dismantle the command structure of the Islamic terrorist group.
Israel has repeatedly urged residents of northern Gaza to evacuate to the south for their safety, but many have been unable to leave or are afraid of continued airstrikes in the south. Israel maintains that its strikes are aimed at Hamas, which continues to operate among civilians, endangering their lives.
The military reported that its troops have killed numerous Hamas terrorists as they exited tunnels. Footage released by the military showed soldiers and tanks advancing toward destroyed buildings.
Meanwhile, Israeli reprisals on blockaded Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 8,525 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry. However, these figures cannot be independently verified as the terrorist group has previously inflated casualty numbers.
Reuters and Mimi Nguyen Ly contributed to this report.
Four captives have been released so far after negotiations through diplomatic channels with mediation from countries that include Qatar and Egypt. On October 20, Hamas released the first captives – US citizens Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter, Natalie Raanan, 17 – saying it was for “humanitarian reasons”. Ult” and that it is challenging to gather accurate information about the hostages’ whereabouts and conditions while operating in a hostile environment.
“We have numerous sources of intelligence, and we use a range of tools and capabilities to help us understand what is happening on the ground,” the official said.
The use of unarmed surveillance drones by the U.S. military in Gaza is seen as a method to gather crucial information that can aid in the negotiations and planning for hostage recovery operations. The drones provide valuable intelligence on the movements and activities of Hamas militants, as well as any potential locations where the hostages may be held.
“These surveillance missions enable us to have a real-time understanding of the situation on the ground, assess any threats to the hostages, and identify possible opportunities for their rescue,” Brig. Gen. Ryder explained.
However, these operations come with their own set of challenges. The airspace over Gaza is highly contested, with frequent clashes between the Israeli military and Hamas fighters. The threat of anti-aircraft missiles and other air defense systems poses a significant risk to the surveillance drones. Moreover, the narrow and densely populated urban environment of Gaza makes it difficult to conduct effective surveillance without risking collateral damage or civilian casualties.
“Our operators are highly trained and experienced in navigating complex situations and adhering to strict rules of engagement to minimize the risk to civilians,” said Brig. Gen. Ryder. “We take the safety and well-being of the hostages, as well as the civilians on the ground, very seriously.”
The U.S. military’s use of surveillance drones to locate hostages in Gaza underscores the complexity of the hostage recovery efforts and the commitment to ensuring their safe return. It highlights the reliance on advanced technology and intelligence gathering capabilities to gather crucial information in hostile environments. However, it also brings to light the challenges and risks involved in conducting such operations, particularly in densely populated areas with ongoing conflict.
As efforts to rescue the American and other hostages continue, the U.S. government and its partners will collaborate closely to gather intelligence, develop strategies, and explore all possible avenues for their safe release. The use of surveillance drones is just one facet of a broader and multifaceted approach to hostage recovery that includes diplomatic negotiations, intelligence sharing, and coordination with international partners.
The hostage situation in Gaza remains a complex and evolving issue, and the U.S. military’s involvement through unmanned surveillance drones highlights the ongoing commitment to the safe return of all hostages. The hope is that these efforts will lead to positive outcomes and ensure the swift and secure release of the captives.
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