IDF drone falls in West Bank during clashes

Palestinian reports claimed that the drone was shot down.

By TZVI JOFFRE
A SKYLARK drone is thrown by an IDF soldier during a military exercise in southern Israel in 2013 (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
A SKYLARK drone is thrown by an IDF soldier during a military exercise in southern Israel in 2013
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
An IDF Skylark drone crashed because of a technical fault in Al Fara, north of Nablus, on Wednesday as it was overflying clashes between Palestinians and Israeli troops, according to the IDF but there was no worry that any information gleaned had been leaked.
The drone was retrieved by the IDF although Palestinian reports claimed that it had been shot down.

At least one Palestinian was wounded by live ammunition during the clashes and another was arrested, according to Palestinian media.

The drone crash comes a day after Palestinian media reported that a crashed Israeli Skylark drone was found in a field in the northern Gaza Strip. Initial reports indicated the drone crashed during Operation Guardian of the Walls.
The Skylark, built by Haifa-based Elbit Systems and operated by the Artillery Corps, is the IDF’s smallest drone. With a wingspan of 2.3 meters, it is deployed on all fronts for tactical surveillance and can be operated by one or two soldiers, including from a roof or in the back of an armored personnel carrier. Once airborne, it provides live video images of the area it overflies.
 
While the Skylark is an effective tool, several have crashed since it was delivered to IDF Ground Forces in 2010.
Anna Ahronheim contributed to this report.


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