Flight-Tracking Shows RAF Drone Over Lebanon During Day of Deadly Israeli Strikes

Overview

• The MQ-9B Protector left RAF Akrotiri and, on Wednesday, flew over Lebanon near Baalbek and Younine in the morning, then reappeared over the area in the evening before returning to Cyprus.
• Middle East Eye says the mission is unknown and has asked the UK Ministry of Defence about any coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces or sharing of intelligence with Israel or the United States.
• Lebanon’s civil defence reported 18 people killed and 28 wounded in Baalbek during Israeli attacks that contributed to more than 300 deaths nationwide that day.
• The RAF describes the Protector as used for surveillance, search and rescue, and armed operations, and planes from Akrotiri have previously conducted surveillance over Gaza that officials said supported hostage rescue.
• The flight renews focus on Britain’s regional ties, including UK training of Lebanese forces since 2009 and a classified 2020 defence agreement with Israel that officials have declined to publish.