US Military Plans to Move MQ-9 Reaper Drones from Africa to South America and the Middle East

The US military expects to transfer MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America, with some possibly headed to the Middle East.

• The US military expects to transfer its MQ-9 Reaper drones currently operating over Africa to US Southern Command, six sources told CNN, with one source saying most would be moved.
• Discussions are underway to send some of the drones to the Middle East, after the military lost MQ-9 assets in confrontations with Iran.
• The relocation precedes planned counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations in South America, including possible operations in Ecuador.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designated defending the United States and the Western Hemisphere a top priority in the January National Defense Strategy.