SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. MQ-9 drone deployed in South Korea crashed off the coast of Gunsan, about 180 km south of the capital Seoul on Monday, local newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported.

According to the report, the 8th Fighter Wing under the U.S. 7th Air Force in South Korea said the MQ-9, part of the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron deployed at Gunsan Air Base, experienced an accident at 4:35 a.m. local time near the coast of Gunsan City, while conducting a routine mission.

There were no civilian casualties or property damage, and the cause of the accident is under investigation, the report said.

The MQ-9 was first permanently deployed to units stationed on the Korean Peninsula in September, said the report. Enditem