On April 26, 2023, a Syrian opposition website cited local sources who reported that Iran-backed militias recently tested a new type of drone in eastern Syria. The drone was launched from a village southeast of Deir Al-Zour, then flew for about an hour and a half, before landing in Al-Mayadin, where the IRGC has a presence. This reportedly came after IRGC and Lebanese Hizbullah commanders met in Al-Mayadin.