Islam Times - Syrian air defenses intercept, shoot down terrorist drones in Hama

Islam Times - Syrian air defense systems have intercepted and shot down a squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles launched by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants in the country’s western-central province of Hama.

The Arabic service of Russia's Sputnik news agency, citing an unnamed Syrian military source, reported late on Tuesday that Syrian army reconnaissance teams were able to detect a number of aircraft as they were approaching a helipad of a government military site in Jubb Ramlah village, located about 189 kilometers (118 mi) north of the capital Damascus.

The report added that Syrian forces then used anti-aircraft defense systems and targeted the drones as they were flying in the sky. There were no reports of any casualties.

Syrian state TV reported on May 22 that army forces had shot down a drone loaded with bombs near Hama's airport.

The television network added that the drone had been launched by members of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham Takfiri terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, without providing any further details.

Back on April 2, Syrian army forces shot down a militant combat drone over the northern countryside of Hama province.

The aircraft was shot down before it could bomb government positions in the area.

Syrian army forces stationed in Hama were instrumental in the creation of the Tiger Forces, an elite unit commanded by Brigadier General Suheil al-Hassan.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc in the country.