article_snippet: the drone was believed to be conducting a reconnaissance mission near the Port of Latakia.
article_snippet: The United States has used drones for surveillance and targeted killings, allowing missions to be carried out without risking the lives of U.S. military personnel.
article_snippet: More than 70 countries now have some type of drone, according to The New America Foundation.
article_snippet: CNN Explains: U.S. drones .
article_snippet: CNN's Barbara Starr contributed to this report.