BREAKING: WAR LOOMS - U.S. shoots armed Syrian drone targeting American troops

Drone was perceived as threat to U.S. troops.

The U.S. military is reporting it has shot down another drone belonging to Syria. The drone was armed and was allegedly prepared to make an attack on U.S. forces. The drone was promptly shot down by a U.S. F-15E fighter.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - The U.S. military reports they have shot down an armed Syrian drone that was targeting American troops in Southeastern Syria.

"The armed pro-regime Shaheed-129 UAV was shot down by a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle at approximately 12:30 a.m. after it displayed hostile intent and advanced on Coalition forces," a statement read.

"The Coalition forces were manning an established combat outpost to the northeast of At Tanf where they are training and advising partner ground forces in the fight against ISIS... This is the same location where another pro-regime UAV dropped munitions near Coalition forces before it was shot down, June 8." The statement added, the drone, "continued to advance on the Coalition position without diverting its course it was shot down."

The Coalition "has made it clear to all parties publicly and through the de-confliction line with Russian forces that the demonstrated hostile intent and actions of pro-regime forces toward Coalition and partner forces in Syria conducting legitimate counter-ISIS operations will not be tolerated."

If Syrian forces are targeting American troops in the region, then it is likely that war looms. Any strike on American troops that produces casualties will result in an overwhelming response from the U.S. It is unclear how Russia would respond, but they are likely to defend their assets and interests. This could out U.S. and Russian forces in direct conflict.

It is time for the peacemakers to step in and declare a cease-fire on all sides, to deescalate the situation. War is politics by other means, and when it starts it takes on a life of its own. It is not a controllable development that abides by a plan.

Developments in this story may happen quickly.