A U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone reportedly carried out a targeted strike in Syria’s Idlib province on Tuesday, using an AGM-114R9X Hellfire missile, also known as the “ninja bomb” or “flying ginsu.” The strike occurred on a road between Kafr Takharim and Armanaz in northern Idlib. 

The U.S. has not officially confirmed details of this strike or the target involved. The missile, typically launched from MQ-9 Reaper drones, is used for precise eliminations.

Debris from the missile, including its distinctive metal blades, was recovered at the scene.

Apparently, the US carried out a new assassination strike in Idlib Governorate of Syria on Tuesday.

The remains of the R9X Hellfire missile were found at the scene of the strike on the road between Kafr Takharim and Armanaz in northern part of Idlib region.

These missiles are… pic.twitter.com/avnsX02mMF

— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) December 17, 2024

The R9X is a specialized non-explosive missile equipped with six blades that deploy just before impact. Instead of using a traditional explosive payload, the missile relies on kinetic energy and the blades to destroy its target. This design minimizes collateral damage, making it ideal for strikes in densely populated areas.

Idlib, a region controlled by various militant groups, including al-Qaeda-linked factions, has been the site of previous U.S. operations targeting high-value individuals.