Atlanta 4/26/2013 1:25:46 AM
News / World

Israel Shoots Down Suspected Hezbollah Drone

Israel confirmed it shot down a drone Thursday after the unmanned aircraft entered Israeli airspace. Although immediate suspicion was directed towards the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, Israeli officials admit the military has not yet determined where the drone came from. It is also unclear if the aircraft was armed.

Israeli military spokesman Capt. Eytan Buchman said air-to-air missiles were used to bring the drone down about five nautical miles off the coast of Haifa. “Once we confirmed that it was not a friendly aircraft and it had entered Israeli airspace, F-16 aircraft intercepted it with air-to-air missiles,” he said.

"I view with utmost gravity this attempt to violate our border," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We will continue to do everything necessary to safeguard the security of Israel's citizens."

No other details were immediately available.

The Israeli air force shot down a Hezbollah drone last October. It was intercepted over the Negev Desert.

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