Air Force photograph by A1C Jonathan Snyder

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator from the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Ali Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft capable of conducting armed reconnaissance.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator crashed in central Iraq at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time Jan 7.
The remotely piloted aircraft was flying a combat mission when positive control of the aircraft was lost. The RPA crash was not due to enemy fire. There are no reports of civilian injuries or damage to civilian property at the crash site.
The Predator was destroyed and is not in enemy hands.
An investigation board will convene to determine the specific cause of the crash.