Israel's military said it shot down an Iranian drone over its northern border on Sunday, according to The Times of Israel.
An Iranian "Yasir" UAV drone entered Israel from Syria before it was shot down by a Patriot missile, Israel Defense Forces told the newspaper. It was shot down as it flew near the Syrian town of Quneitra, which has been seized by fighting between rebels and government troops in the ongoing civil war.
Moshe Ya'alon, Israel's Defense Minister, lauded IDF's rapid response to the threat and said Israel will not allow attacks on soldiers, "whether intentional or unintentional," The Times of Israel reported.
The alleged Iranian missile downing comes less than two weeks after Iran said it shot down an Israeli drone as it flew towards a nuclear site.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Aug. 24 they fired a missile at the advanced drone from the "Zionist regime" as it was headed for a nuclear enrichment site in Natanz, The New York Times reported.
Iran did not provide proof of the incident and Israel did not comment on the reports.
As of Wednesday Iran did not comment on the Israel's claim it downed one of its drones.
Both incidents come as world powers are moving to reach a deal with Iranian officials over its controversial nuclear weapons program. Iran has often pointed out that it has never started a war and is often victimized by enemies that surround the country, The NY Times reported.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani revealed last month the country is producing new missiles and drones to aid in their defense.
"Some think we are making these to throw on the enemy's head," Rouhani said according to The NY Times. "No. Of course, if one day it is necessary, we may do it, but the reason for making them is to prevent war."
