US deploys MQ-9 Reaper drones over Gaza for hostage spotting mission.

The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of MQ-9 Reaper drones to patrol the skies above Gaza in a non-combat surveillance capacity, to assist in the search for hostages taken by Hamas following the Gaza attack on October 7, 2023, against Israel.

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  Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of MQ-9 Reaper drones to patrol the skies above Gaza in a non-combat surveillance capacity, to assist in the search for hostages taken by Hamas following the Gaza attack on October 7, 2023, against Israel. (Picture source: Flightradar24)

In rapid response to the terrorist act that resulted in the kidnapping of 242 people, including American citizens, the United States Department of Defense took a direct role in supporting Israel's efforts to locate and recover the hostages. “The United States is conducting unarmed drone flights over Gaza, in addition to providing advice and assistance to support our Israeli partner in their hostage recovery efforts,” Pentagon press secretary said, Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder.

The MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft known for its endurance and advanced surveillance capabilities, can remain airborne for up to 24 hours. Equipped with a comprehensive suite of visual sensors, the Reaper is a crucial asset for intelligence-gathering missions. According to the United States Air Force, the cost of each unit is $56.5 million in 2021.

MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used primarily for military and reconnaissance purposes. It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and is an upgraded version of the earlier MQ-1 Predator drone. The Reaper is designed for long-endurance and high-altitude surveillance missions and is capable of carrying a range of weapons, including air-to-ground missiles and bombs. It has a wingspan of 66 feet and can fly at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet.

The drone is operated remotely by a pilot and sensor operator on the ground, who can control the aircraft and its various sensors, including cameras and radar systems. The Reaper has been used extensively by the US military in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other locations around the world, namely the Black Sea in the framework of the war triggered by Russia in Ukraine. It has also been sold to other countries for military and surveillance purposes.

The New York Times reported sightings of these drones over Gaza via Flightradar24, a flight tracking website, indicating a new phase of US operational tactics in the area. The use of MQ-9 drones marks an important step in US involvement in the region. According to U.S. military officials, who remained anonymous, they clarified that drones do not help military operations on the ground. 

The complexity of the situation is compounded by the belief that Hamas is holding many of the hostages within its vast network of underground tunnels, complicating the recovery process.

In addition to aerial surveillance, the US military mobilized warships and troops to the Middle East shortly after the Hamas attack and supplied weapons to Israel, strengthening the US commitment to its ally and the urgency of the hostage situation. If you would like to know more about the US aid provided to Israel we refer you to the following articles: Army Recognition Group and Navy Recognition Group.