Armed Drones Provide Cover to U.S. Advisers in Iraq, Defense Officials Say

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/iraq-turmoil/armed-drones-provide-cover-u-s
-advisers-iraq-defense-officials-n142781

American drones armed with Hellfire missiles are flying surveillance over
Baghdad to protect the U.S. military advisers providing intelligence and
advice to the Iraqi military as they fight Sunni militants, defense
officials said Friday.

The officials told NBC News that the drones are not meant to hunt militant
forces or launch airstrikes, only to provide cover in case the Americans
come under enemy fire as they move around Baghdad. The U.S. is also flying
armed and unarmed drones, plus manned and armed F-18 fighter jets, over the
Iraqi territory controlled by the militants, the officials said. The
surveillance planes are not authorized to fire on the militants, the
officials said.

By Epictetus