Posted on 08/07/2006 11:46:45 AM PDT by tobyhill
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Israeli troops shot down an explosive-laden drone aircraft Monday, FOX News has learned, as Israel continued its assault on Hezbollah guerrillas along the southern border of Lebanon.
The drone, an Ababil, was shot down over the Mediterranean Sea near the port city of Haifa, the Israeli Defense Forces told FOX News. Officials believe it may have been headed for Tel Aviv. Ababils are Iranian-made aircraft that can be shot from a pneumatic launcher, according to Globalsecurity.org.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Currently the U.S. is pursuing "diplomatic" efforts to end the War between Israel and Hizballah. While this may in fact be simply a ploy to look good in front of the media, should we be discussing how to put an end to Isreal irradicating a threat to the world?
I have my doubts as to whether the U.S. actually wants a cease-fire prior to the dismantling of Hizballah. However, if this is the truth, then the U.S. should state its policy and not back away from it. If we push forward with a premature cease-fire, this only benefits the enemy. We're trying to score big with "public opinion," but they could care less about the current admin. anyway.
I imagine the current actions of the administration will have a big role come November and this could explain our role, but couldn't some step back and say that our current actions compared to those in Afghanistan and Iraq are contradictary?
There are groups within Iran that hate their government but the only problem is they hate Israel worse.
"Some analysts assume, that Hezbollah used an "Ababil" type UAV produced by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA). "Ababil" UAV is a canard configuration and similar in size to "Mheger 4": wing span - 3,25 m, fuselage length - 2,9 m. It is launched by a pneumatic launcher or by a rocket, and uses a parachute to land. "Ababil" can fly in an autopilot mode, however its operator can also guide the UAV remotely from the ground. The drone has a more powerful (25 hp) engine than "Mheger 4", and according to the manufacturer, it can fly with a cruising speed of 165 knots (about 300 km/hr). As one may see from the table, "Ababil" can carry a 40 kg payload,..."
From the Russian website, "Armscontrol.ru"
I read long ago that US and British Special Forces and Intelligence were arming and training Iranian arabs (southern Iran) to fight as a low level insurgent group. I also understand that Special Forces from time to time cross the Iranian frontier from Kurdistan, do a little damage and then race back across the border.
Why isn't the U.S. taking a more active role? When?
bttt
I hope the US just keeps their nose out of it long enough to let Israel take care of business.
Israel's doing a good enough job, and we've got their backs. What more would you have us do?
Not to mention a relatively expensive way to carry only 40 kg of bomb load.
You're kidding aren't you?
Secretary Rice should take a long vacation on a tropical beach somewhere until Hizbolla's wiped out.
Hizballah isn't the only enemy.
We'll eventually need to address Iran, most likely Syria, possibly N. Korea, China and Russia.
Our military is stretched in Iraq and Afghanistan, but we can't expect Israel to take on the Middle East themselves. I agree they're getting the job done, but who will take the lead in getting rid of the President of Iran and their arsenal?
Will it be solely Israel, or U.S., Isreal, Britain combined?
The U.S. also has cause to go into Syria. (Hint: WMD's)
I'm just thinking two steps ahead, not day-to-day.
I would say that this is impossible given the side that some in the State Department, CIA, NY Slimes and other Traitorous rags have taken.
Some anti-Bush traitor within the Washington circle would have divulged this to the Drive-By-Media by now.
You never know, a "REAL" plane might just fly into it and blow up /Sarc
Eventually the terrorists will be running out of munitions. Maybe that's why the islamic world is screaming for negotiations to get Israel to stop and run away.
They said this morning that there was over 4,000 rocket launches out of approx. 10,000 rockets but I have to figure that Israel has taken out a third of the original total leaving about 2,700 left. One more week will probably do it for Israel in reducing the threat about 95%. The other 5% is built in just for Israel being Israel.
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