Editing General Atomics MQ-1 Predator (section)

==Operational history==
[[File:General Atomics RQ-1A Predator USAF.jpg|thumb|RQ-1A Predator]]

As of March 2009, the U.S. Air Force had 195 MQ-1 Predators and 28 MQ-9 Reapers in operation.<ref name="choice" /> Predators and Reapers fired missiles 244 times in [[Iraq War|Iraq]] and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] in 2007 and 2008. A report in March 2009 indicated that U.S. Air Force had lost 70 Predators in air crashes during its operational history. Fifty-five were lost to equipment failure, operator error, or weather. Five were shot down in [[NATO intervention in Bosnia|Bosnia]], [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|Kosovo]], Syria and Iraq.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/06/29/air-force-lost-predator-was-shot-down-in-syria/29474659/|title=Air Force: Lost Predator was shot down in Syria|work=Air Force Times |first=Brian|last=Everstine|date=7 August 2017}}</ref> Eleven more were lost to operational accidents on combat missions.<ref name="NYTimes2009-03-17" /> In 2012, the Predator, Reaper and [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|Global Hawk]] were described as "the most accident-prone aircraft in the Air Force fleet."<ref name="bloomberg" />

On 3 March 2011, the U.S. Air Force took delivery of its last MQ-1 Predator in a ceremony at General Atomics' flight operations facility. Since its first flight in July 1994, the MQ-1 series accumulated over 1,000,000 flight hours<ref name=FS1 /> and maintained a fleet fully mission capable rate over 90 percent.<ref name="General Atomics Press Release" />

On 22 October 2013, the U.S. Air Force's fleets of MQ-1 Predators and [[MQ-9 Reaper]] remotely piloted aircraft reached 2,000,000 flight hours. The RPA program began in the mid-1990s, taking 16 years for them to reach 1 million flight hours. The 2 million hour mark was reached just two and a half years after that.<ref name="suasnews" />

On 9 March 2018, the U.S. Air Force officially retired the MQ-1 Predator from operational service. The aircraft was first operationally deployed in 1995 and in 2011 the last of 268 Predators were delivered to the service, of which just over 100 were still in service by the start of 2018. While the Predator was phased out by the Air Force in favor of the heavier and more capable MQ-9 Reaper, the Predator continues to serve in the [[MQ-1C Gray Eagle]] derivative for the U.S. Army as well as with several foreign nations.<ref name="ain13march18" />

===Squadrons and operational units===
During the initial ACTD phase, the [[United States Army]] led the evaluation program, but in April 1996, the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] selected the U.S. Air Force as the operating service for the RQ-1A Predator system. The [[3d Special Operations Squadron]] at [[Cannon Air Force Base]], [[11th Reconnaissance Squadron|11th]], [[15th Reconnaissance Squadron|15th]], [[17th Reconnaissance Squadron|17th]], and [[18th Reconnaissance Squadron]]s, [[Creech Air Force Base#Indian Springs history|Creech Air Force Base]], Nevada, and the [[Air National Guard]]'s [[163d Reconnaissance Wing]]<ref name=rf163 /> at [[March Air Reserve Base]], California, currently operate the MQ-1.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Defense recommended retiring [[Ellington Airport (Texas)|Ellington Field]]'s [[147th Reconnaissance Wing|147th Fighter Wing]]'s [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] fighter jets (a total of 15 aircraft), which was approved by the [[Base Realignment and Closure]] committee. They will be replaced with 12 MQ-1 Predator UAVs, and the new unit should be fully equipped and outfitted by 2009.<ref name="Guard unit welcomes Predator, reconnaissance mission" /> The wing's combat support arm will remain intact. The 272d Engineering Installation Squadron, an Air National Guard unit currently located off-base, will move into Ellington Field in its place.

The 3d Special Operations Squadron is currently the largest Predator squadron in the [[United States Air Force]].<ref name="Factsheets : 3rd Special Operations Squadron" />

[[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] was reported in 2013 to be operating 10 Predators and to have requested 14 more.<ref name="Time" /><ref name="LA Now – Southern California" />

On 21 June 2009, the United States Air Force announced that it was creating a new MQ-1 squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base that would become operational by February 2011.<ref name="Officials choose bases for MQ-1, MQ-9 ground control stations" /> In September 2011, the U.S. [[Air National Guard]] announced that despite current plans for budget cuts, they will continue to operate the Air Force's combat UAVs, including MQ-1B.<ref name="AirForceWorld_MQ-1B_Air_Guard" />

On 28 August 2013, a Predator belonging to the [[163d Reconnaissance Wing]] was flying at 18,000 to 20,000&nbsp;feet over the [[Rim Fire]] in California providing infrared video of lurking fires, after receiving emergency approvals. Rules limit the Predator behavior; it must be accompanied by a manned aircraft, and its camera must only be active above the fire.<ref name="rf163" /><ref name="verticalmag" />

In September 2013, the [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] tested the ability to rapidly deploy Predator aircraft. Two MQ-1s were loaded into a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]] in a cradle system that also carried a control terminal, maintenance tent, and the crew. The test was to prove the UAVs could be deployed and set up at an expeditionary base within four hours of landing. In a recent undisclosed deployment, airmen set up a portable hangar in a tent and a wooden taxiway to operate MQ-1s for a six-week period.<ref name="militarytimes" />

===The Balkans===
[[File:Predator MQ-1 (war trophy in Museum of Aviation, Belgrade, Serbia).jpg|thumb|A shot down RQ-1 Predator in the [[Aeronautical Museum Belgrade|Museum of Aviation]] in Belgrade, [[Serbia]]]]

The first overseas deployment took place in the [[Balkans]], from July to November 1995, under the name ''Nomad Vigil''. Operations were based in [[Gjader Air Base|Gjader]], Albania. Four disassembled Predators were flown into Gjadër airbase in a [[C-130 Hercules]]. The UAVs were assembled and flown first by civilian contract personnel. The U.S. deployed more than 70 military intelligence personnel. Intelligence collection missions began in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Atomics MQ-1L Predator A |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/general-atomics-mq-1l-predator/nasm_A20040180000 |access-date=6 August 2024 |website=National Air and Space Museum |language=en}}</ref> 

One of the Predators was lost over [[Krepšić]], near [[Brčko]], northern Bosnia, on 11 August 1995;<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=ЈЕДИНИЦА |date=2018-09-27 |title=Смрт Предатора изнад Републике Српске |url=https://www.crveneberetke.com/smrt-predatora-iznad-republike-srpske/ |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=Црвене беретке |language=sr-RS}}</ref> a second one was deliberately destroyed on 14 August after suffering an engine failure over Bosnia, which may have been caused by hostile ground fire.<ref>Norman Polmar, ''The Naval Institute guide to the ships and aircraft of the U.S. fleet'' (2005) p. 479.</ref> Serb forces claim the shooting down of a third Predator over [[Nevesinje]], Herzegovina, on 5  September, during [[Operation Deliberate Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=ЈЕДИНИЦА |date=2018-09-27 |title=Смрт Предатора изнад Републике Српске |url=https://www.crveneberetke.com/smrt-predatora-iznad-republike-srpske/ |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=Црвене беретке |language=sr-RS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lakić |first=Marko |date=16 January 2023 |title=Budućnost je počela 1995. kod Nevesinja kada su Srbi oborili prvi dron u istoriji |url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/532808/Buducnost-je-pocela-1995-kod-Nevesinja-kada-su-Srbi-oborili-prvi-dron-u-istoriji |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Politika Online |language=Sr}}</ref> The wreckage of the first Predator was handed over to Russia, according to Serb sources.<ref name=":0">[http://tealgroup.com/images/TGCTOC/sample-wmuav2.pdf RQ-1 Predator/MQ-9 Reaper] June 2019, p. 30</ref> Its original 60-day stay was extended to 120 days. The following spring, in March 1996, the system was redeployed to the Balkans area and operated out of [[Taszar]], Hungary.<ref>Houston R. Cantwell, ''RADM Thomas J. Cassidy’s MQ-1 Predator: the USAF’s first UAV success story'', Air Command and Staff College Air University (Apr 2006)</ref>

Several others were destroyed in the course of [[Operation Noble Anvil]], the 1999 NATO bombing of [[Yugoslavia]]:
* One aircraft (serial 95-3017) was lost on 18 April 1999, following fuel system problems and icing.<ref name="AFPN report" />
* A second aircraft (serial 95-3019) was lost on 13 May, when it was shot down by a Serbian [[SA-9 Gaskin|Strela-1M]] [[surface-to-air missile]] over the village of Biba. A Serbian TV crew videotaped this incident.<ref name="loss" />
* A third aircraft (serial number 95-3021) crashed on 20 May near the town of Talinovci, and Serbian news reported that this, too, was the result of anti-aircraft fire.<ref name="loss" /><ref name="aeronautics" />

===Afghanistan===
In 2000, a joint CIA-DoD effort was agreed to locate [[Osama bin Laden]] in Afghanistan. Dubbed "Afghan Eyes", it involved a projected 60-day trial run of Predators over the country. The first experimental flight was held on 7 September 2000. White House security chief [[Richard A. Clarke]] was impressed by the resulting video footage; he hoped that the drones might eventually be used to target Bin Laden with cruise missiles or armed aircraft. Clarke's enthusiasm was matched by that of [[Cofer Black]], head of the CIA's Counterterrorist Center (CTC), and [[Charles E. Allen|Charles Allen]], in charge of the CIA's intelligence-collection operations. The three men backed an immediate trial run of reconnaissance flights. Ten out of the ensuing 15 Predator missions over Afghanistan were rated successful. On at least two flights, a Predator spotted a tall man in white robes at bin Laden's [[Tarnak Farm]] compound outside [[Kandahar]]; the figure was subsequently deemed to be "probably bin Laden".<ref name="9-11commission189" /> By October 2000, deteriorating weather conditions made it difficult for the Predator to fly from its base in [[Uzbekistan]], and the flights were suspended.<ref name="penguin3" />

[[File:Predator and Hellfire.jpg|thumb|Predator launching a Hellfire missile]]

On 16 February 2001 at [[Nellis Air Force Base]], a Predator successfully fired three Hellfire [[AGM-114 Hellfire|AGM-114C]] missiles into a target. The newly armed Predators were given the designation of MQ-1A. In the first week of June 2001, a Hellfire missile was successfully launched on a replica of bin Laden's Afghanistan [[Tarnak Farms|Tarnak]] residence built at a Nevada testing site. A missile launched from a Predator exploded inside one of the replica's rooms; it was concluded that any people in the room would have been killed. On 4 September 2001 (after the Bush cabinet approved a Qaeda/Taliban plan), CIA chief Tenet ordered the agency to resume reconnaissance flights. The Predators were now weapons-capable, but did not carry missiles because the host country (presumably Uzbekistan) hadn't granted permission.

Subsequent to 9/11, approval was quickly granted to ship the missiles, and the Predator aircraft and missiles reached their overseas location on 16 September 2001. The first mission was flown over [[Kabul]] and [[Kandahar]] on 18 September without carrying weapons. Subsequent host nation approval was granted on 7 October and the first armed mission was flown on the same day.<ref name="9-11commission213" />
* In February 2002, armed Predators are thought to have been used to destroy a [[sport utility vehicle]] belonging to suspected Taliban leader Mullah [[Mullah Omar|Mohammed Omar]] and mistakenly killed Afghan scrap metal collectors near [[Zhawar Kili]] because one of them resembled [[Osama bin Laden]].<ref name="entrepreneurship" /><ref name="technology" />
* On 4 March 2002, a CIA-operated Predator fired a Hellfire missile into a reinforced Taliban machine gun bunker that had pinned down an [[75th Ranger Regiment (United States)|Army Ranger]] team whose [[CH-47 Chinook]] had crashed on the top of [[Takur Ghar]] Mountain in Afghanistan. Previous attempts by flights of [[F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] aircraft were unable to destroy the bunker. This action took place during what has become known as the "[[Battle of Takur Ghar|Battle of Roberts Ridge]]", a part of [[Operation Anaconda]]. This appears to be the first use of such a weapon in a [[close air support]] role.<ref name="discovery2007" />
* On 6 April 2011, 2 US soldiers were killed in Afghanistan when the Predator had its first friendly fire incident. This occurred when observers in Indiana did not relay their doubts about the target to the operators at [[Creech Air Force Base]] in Nevada.<ref name="latimes" />

On 5 May 2013, an MQ-1 Predator surpassed 20,000 flight hours over Afghanistan by a single Predator. Predator P107 achieved the milestone while flying a 21-hour combat mission; P107 was first delivered in October 2004.

===Pakistan===
{{Main|Drone attacks in Pakistan by the United States}}

From at least 2003 until 2011, the U.S. [[Central Intelligence Agency]] has allegedly been operating the drones out of [[Shamsi airfield]] in Pakistan to attack militants in Pakistan's [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]].<ref name="Google Earth Reveals Secret History of US Base in Pakistan" /><ref name="About those missing Predator drones: It wasn't censorship after all" />  During this period, the MQ-1 Predator fitted with [[Hellfire missile]]s was successfully used to kill a number of prominent [[Al-Qaeda|al Qaeda]] operatives.<ref name="abc1" />

On 13 January 2006, 18 civilians were unintentionally killed by the Predator. According to Pakistani authorities, the U.S. strike was based on faulty intelligence.<ref name="USAToday article" /><ref name="telegraph2006" /><ref name="The New Al-Qaeda Central: Far From Declining, the Network Has Rebuilt, With Fresh Faces and a Vigorous Media Arm" />

===Iraq===
[[File:MQ-1B Predator unmanned aircraft.jpg|thumb|An MQ-1B Predator from the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron takes off 9 July 2008 from [[Ali Air Base|Ali Base]], Iraq.]]

An Iraqi [[MiG-25]] shot down a Predator performing reconnaissance over the [[no fly zone]] in Iraq on 23 December 2002. This was the first time in history a conventional aircraft and a drone had engaged each other in combat. Predators had been armed with [[AIM-92 Stinger]] air-to-air missiles, and were purportedly being used to "bait" Iraqi fighters, then run. However, the Predator's maximum speed is {{cvt|1,800|mph|km/h}} lower than the MiG-25's, and its service ceiling is nearly {{cvt|60,000|ft|m}} lower, making the "run" segment of any "bait and run" mission a difficult task. In this incident, the Predator did not run (or could not run fast enough), but instead fired one of its Stingers. The Stinger's heat-seeker became "distracted" by the MiG's missile and missed the MiG. The Predator was hit by the MiG's missile and destroyed.<ref name="cbs2" /><ref name="atwar1999" /> Another two Predators had been shot down earlier by Iraqi [[Surface-to-air missile|SAMs]].<ref name="institute" />

During the initial phases of the [[2003 invasion of Iraq|2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq]], a number of older Predators were stripped down and used as decoys to entice Iraqi air defenses to expose themselves by firing.<ref name="vector" /><ref name="cbs2" /> From July 2005 to June 2006, the [[15th Reconnaissance Squadron]] participated in more than 242 separate raids, engaged 132 troops in contact-force protection actions, fired 59 Hellfire missiles; surveyed 18,490 targets, escorted four convoys, and flew 2,073 sorties for more than 33,833 flying hours.<ref name="www20064" />

[[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)|Iraqi insurgents]] intercepted video feeds, which were not encrypted, using a $26 piece of Russian software named [[SkyGrabber]].<ref name="Insurgents Hack U.S. Drones – WSJ.com" /><ref name="Iraq rebels 'hack into US drones'" /> The encryption for the [[ROVER]] feeds was removed for performance reasons.<ref name="Iraqi insurgents hacked Predator drone feeds, U.S. official indicates" /> Work to secure the data feeds was to be completed by 2014.<ref name="Fixes on the way for nonsecure UAV links – Air Force News, news from Iraq" />

On 27 June 2014, the Pentagon confirmed that a number of armed Predators had been sent to Iraq along with U.S. Special Forces following advances by the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]. The Predators were flying 30 to 40 missions a day in and around Baghdad with government permission, and intelligence was shared with Iraqi forces.<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/unmanned_aircraft_predator_armed_with_hellfire_missiles_used_in_iraq_to_protected_u.s._advisers_2806.html Unmanned aircraft Predator armed with Hellfire missiles used in Iraq to protected U.S. advisers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630200018/http://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/unmanned_aircraft_predator_armed_with_hellfire_missiles_used_in_iraq_to_protected_u.s._advisers_2806.html |date=30 June 2014 }} – Armyrecognition.com, 28 June 2014</ref> On 8 August 2014, an MQ-1 Predator fired a missile at a militant mortar position.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/aug/8/us-launches-second-round-airstrikes-against-isil-o/ U.S. launches second round of airstrikes against ISIL, officials say] – ''[[The Washington Times]]'', 8 August 2014</ref> From the beginning of [[Operation Inherent Resolve]] to January 2016, five USAF Predators were lost; four crashed from technical failures in Iraq, one in June 2015, two in October 2015, and one in January 2016.<ref>[http://airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2016/January%202016/January%2012%202016/Another-Predator-Bites-the-Dust.aspx Another Predator Bites the Dust] – Airforcemag.com, 12 January 2016</ref>

===Yemen===
{{Main|CIA activities in Yemen}}

On 3 November 2002, a [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire missile]] was fired at a car in [[Yemen]], killing [[Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi]], an al-Qaeda leader thought to be responsible for the [[USS Cole bombing|USS ''Cole'' bombing]]. It was the first direct U.S. strike in the [[War on Terrorism]] outside [[Afghanistan]].<ref name="abc1" /><ref name="mit2002" />

In 2004, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC-TV) international affairs program ''Foreign Correspondent'' investigated this [[targeted killing]] and the involvement of the then U.S. Ambassador as part of a special report titled "The Yemen Option". The report also examined the evolving tactics and countermeasures in dealing with Al Qaeda inspired attacks.<ref name="The Yemen Option" /><ref name="Interview with James Bamford on the National Security Agency" />

On 30 September 2011, a Hellfire fired from an American [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] killed [[Anwar al-Awlaki]], an American-citizen cleric and Al Qaeda leader, in Yemen.<ref name="nytimes" /> Also killed was [[Samir Khan]], an American born in [[Saudi Arabia]], who was editor of al-Qaeda's English-language webzine, ''[[Inspire (magazine)|Inspire]]''.

On 14 February 2017, a United Arab Emiates [[UAV]] MQ-1B was shot down by Houthi anti-aircraft missile over Marib province.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/19488/infographic-saudi-coalition-and-us-aircraft-losses-in-yemen-war/|title=Infographic: Saudi Coalition and US Aircraft Losses in Yemen War|date=25 June 2021|quote=UAE MQ-1B Predator UAV, February 14, 2017, Al-Manin, Marib Province}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/193614|title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 193614|date=19 February 2017|work=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref>

On 14 May 2019, a [[United Arab Emirates]] MQ-1 Predator was shot down by Houthi fire during a night flight in Saana, Houthi fighters used an [[air-to-air missile]] (R-27T or R-73) with a modified land operator device.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=225233|title=Incident General Atomics MQ-1 Predator , 14 May 2019|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=28099|title=Predator zestrzelony nad Jemenem|website=www.altair.com.pl}}</ref>

On 25 February 2022, Houthi forces shot down a [[United Arab Emirates Air Force|UAEAF]] MQ-1 drone of the Saudi led Coalition in Al-Jawf province. Publishing footage of the drone wreck and photos.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/22887/ansar-allah-destroys-the-fourth-mq-1-drone-in-yemen-video/|title=Ansar Allah destroys the fourth MQ-1 drone in Yemen + Video|date=25 February 2022|work=Islamic World News}}</ref>

===Libya===
U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predators have been involved in reconnaissance and strike sorties in [[Operation Unified Protector]]. An MQ-1B fired its first Hellfire missile in the conflict on 23 April 2011, striking a [[BM-21 Grad]].<ref name="Qaddafi Forces Struck by First U.S. Drone as Rebels Say They Hold Misrata" /><ref name="U.S. Carries Out First Drone Strike in Libya: Pentagon" /> There are also some suggestions that a Predator was involved in the final attack against [[Gaddafi]].<ref name="U.S. Drone Involved in Final Qaddafi Strike, as Obama Heralds Regime's 'End'" />

Predators returned to Libya in 2012, after [[U.S. Consulate attack in Benghazi|the attack]] that killed the US Ambassador in [[Benghazi]]. MQ-9 Reapers were also deployed.<ref name="Libyan officials: U.S. drones behind airport closure" />

===Somalia===
On 7 March 2016, US Predator drones attacked an [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]] training camp south of [[Kismayo]]. [[Ibrahim al-Afghani]], a senior al-Shabaab leader was rumored to be killed in the strike.<ref name="Senior Shabaab commander rumored to have been killed in recent Predator strike" />

Four al-Shabaab fighters, including a Kenyan, were killed in a drone strike late February 2012.<ref name="US Drone Strike Kills 4 in Somalia" />

===Iran===
On 1 November 2012, two Iranian [[Sukhoi Su-25]] attack aircraft engaged an unarmed Predator conducting routine surveillance over the [[Persian Gulf]] just before 05:00 EST. The Su-25s made two passes at the drone firing their 30&nbsp;mm cannon; the Predator was not hit and returned to base.<ref name=wired_Nov_8 /> The incident was not revealed publicly until 8 November. The U.S. stated that the Predator was over international waters, {{convert|16|mi|km}} away from Iran and never entered its airspace.<ref name="wired_Nov_8" /><ref name="militarytimes_Nov_9" /> Iran states that the drone entered Iran's airspace and that its aircraft fired warning shots to drive it away.<ref name=militarytimes_Nov_9 />

On 12 March 2013, an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom]] pursued an MQ-1 flying over the Persian Gulf. The unarmed reconnoitering Predator was approached by the F-4, coming within 16&nbsp;miles of the UAV. Two U.S. fighters were escorting the Predator and verbally warned the jet, which made the Iranian F-4 break off. All American aircraft remained over international waters. An earlier statement by the Pentagon that the escorting planes fired a flare to warn the Iranian jet was later amended.<ref name="militarytimes5" /> The Air Force later revealed that the American jet that forced the Iranian F-4 to break off was an [[F-22 Raptor]].<ref name="military" />

===Syria===

Armed MQ-1s are used in [[Operation Inherent Resolve]] against IS over Syria and Iraq. On 17 March 2015, a US MQ-1 was shot down by a Syrian government [[S-125]] SAM battery when it overflew the port of [[Latakia]], a region not involved in the international military operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theaviationist.com/2015/03/17/mq-1-shot-down-syria/|title=U.S. drone crashed in Syria. Probably shot down by a Syrian SA-3 surface to air missile|date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/17/middleeast/syria-us-drone/|title=Syria says it shot down U.S. drone |first=Roba |last=Alhenawi|date=17 March 2015 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>

===Philippines===
A 2012 ''[[New York Times]]'' article claimed that U.S. forces used a Predator drone to try and kill Indonesian terrorist [[Umar Patek]] in the [[Philippines]] in 2006. [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|The Philippines' military]] denied this action took place, however.<ref name="abs-cbnnews" /> It was reported that a drone was responsible for killing al-Qaeda operative [[Zulkifli bin Hir]] on [[Jolo island]] on 2 February 2012. The strike reportedly killed 15 Abu Sayyaf operatives.<ref name="atimes" /><ref name="brookings" /> The Philippines stated the strike was executed by manned North American / Rockwell [[OV-10]] Bronco aircraft with assistance from the U.S.<ref name="wenatcheeworld" />

===Other users===
The Predator has also been used by the [[Aeronautica Militare|Italian Air Force]]. A contract for 6 version A Predators (later upgraded to A+) was signed in July 2002 and delivery begun in December 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviation-report.com/dblog/articolo.asp?articolo%3D303 |title=10000 ORE DI VOLO PER I PREDATOR DELL'AERONAUTICA MILITARE - aviazione militare aerei militari military aviation report fotografici di manifestazioni aeree e visite alle basi aeree air show aviation photos |access-date=11 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812202631/http://www.aviation-report.com/dblog/articolo.asp?articolo=303 |archive-date=12 August 2014 }}</ref> It was used in these missions:
* Iraq, Tallil: from January 2005 to November 2006 for "Antica Babilonia" mission (1.600 hours flew)
* Afghanistan, Herat: from June 2007 to January 2014 (beginning with Predator A, then A+ and finally replaced by MQ-9 Reaper). Flew 6.000 hours in 750 missions only from June 2007 to May 2011.
* Djibouti: 2 x Predator A+, since 6 August 2014 for support Atalanta EU mission – counter piracy – and for EUTM mission in Somalia (first mission flew 9 August 2014; detachment of about 70 Italian air force airmen<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wikilao.com/jml2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=674:cresce-l-impegno-italiano-nel-corno-d-africa&catid=113:cat-italia&Itemid=490&lang=it|title=CRESCE L'IMPEGNO ITALIANO NEL CORNO D'AFRICA|author=Wikilao|work=wikilao|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206232643/http://www.wikilao.com/jml2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=674:cresce-l-impegno-italiano-nel-corno-d-africa&catid=113:cat-italia&Itemid=490&lang=it|url-status=dead}}</ref> )

Two civil-registered unarmed MQ-1s have been operated by the [[Office of the National Security Advisor]] in the [[Philippines]] since 2006.<ref name="Philippines operation 2006 details" />

The Predator has been licensed for sale to Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.<ref name="MQ-1 Predator for Egypt" />