Spy plane shot down over Iraq

Iraqi aircraft have shot down a US unmanned surveillance drone over the country's southern no-fly zone.

The Predator drone was conducting a reconnaissance mission.

US Central Command has confirmed that it believes the plane is presumed to be a total loss.

Iraqi fighter aircraft penetrated the no-fly zone and fired on the Predator, and its controllers then lost contact with the plane, the official said.

"This action is the latest chapter in a lengthy list of hostile acts by the Iraqi regime," said Jim Wilkinson, a Central Command spokesman.