An Air Force MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System crashed in Afghanistan at approximately 5:30 a.m. Kabul time Sept. 13.
The aircraft was flying a combat mission when positive control of the aircraft was lost. When the aircraft remained on a course that would depart Afghanistan airspace, a U.S. Air Force manned aircraft took proactive measures to down the MQ-9 in a remote area of northern Afghanistan.
The Reaper impacted the side of a mountain and there were no reports of civilian injuries or damage to civilian property at the site.
The aircraft is a medium-to-high altitude long-endurance, unmanned aircraft system. The MQ-9's primary mission is as a persistent hunter-killer against emerging targets to achieve joint force commander objectives.
A board will be convened to investigate the incident.