The Air Force lost an MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted vehicle when it crashed upon takeoff in eastern Afghanistan at about 1:50 a.m. local time Feb. 9, reported Air Forces Central Command the same day. AFCENT said the crash was not due to hostile fire and there were no reports of personal injury or property damage. An accident investigation board will investigate the incident.
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.