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Speeding falcon strikes drone in dramatic Zhangjiajie aerial clash

China

China

China

Speeding falcon strikes drone in dramatic Zhangjiajie aerial clash

2024-06-22 19:10 Last Updated At:20:07

A peregrine falcon, the world's fastest bird, attacked a drone surveilling the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area in central China's Hunan Province on Thursday, with this thrilling and unexpected aerial encounter captured on camera by park staff members.

The incident bears witness to the incredible agility and speed of this apex predator.

On the misty afternoon, as the drone soared through the majestic canyon, it was suddenly struck by the falcon. The bird, with its lightning-fast reflexes, swooped past the camera, momentarily disappearing from view. Just seconds later, the falcon reappeared, swooping directly towards the drone.

"It suddenly appeared in front of the camera while we were observing," said Xu Ruichu, a staff member of the scenic area.

The drone managed to capture the falcon's bold attack. Confirmed by local forestry authorities, the bird was identified as a medium-sized raptor - a peregrine falcon, a national second-class protected wild animal.

Peregrine falcons are among the world's fastest flying birds, capable of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h.

The lush vegetation and excellent ecological environment of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon provide a habitat for numerous bird species and wildlife.

Speeding falcon strikes drone in dramatic Zhangjiajie aerial clash

Speeding falcon strikes drone in dramatic Zhangjiajie aerial clash

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel will "soon" take control of 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, despite the terms of an ongoing fragile ceasefire.

"We currently hold more than 60 percent of the enclave; soon we will reach 70 percent," Netanyahu said during his weekly cabinet meeting. He said Israel was still fighting Hamas and "eliminating" the group's senior commanders.

In Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israel was "eliminating villages of terror" near the Israeli border. He said Israeli forces had killed about 350 people in Lebanon over the past week, claiming they were all militants.

A ceasefire agreement that took effect in October 2025 allows Israel to keep forces behind the so-called "yellow line" demarcation, which includes about half of the war-devastated enclave.

Israel has continued to carry out daily attacks across Gaza. Earlier on Saturday, Gaza-based health authorities said that 951 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect.

Netanyahu says Israel to "soon" control 70 pct of Gaza

Netanyahu says Israel to "soon" control 70 pct of Gaza

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