Russian fighter jets intercepted three US Air Force drones in northeastern Syria on Wednesday morning, according to the senior commander in charge of Air Force operations in the Middle East. Air Force Lt. Gen Alex Grynkewich described the Russian maneuver against the MQ-9 Reaper drones as “unsafe and unprofessional.” The incident occurred as the drones were monitoring ISIS targets in Syria. US Central Command released video of the incident, which shows the jets releasing parachute flares in front of the drones to block their view. Grynkewich stated that the Russian jets dropped multiple parachute flares and positioned their aircraft in front of an MQ-9, reducing the operator’s ability to safely operate the drone.
This interception comes amid ongoing operations by both the US and Russia in Syria. The US is part of the anti-ISIS coalition, while Russia supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It is worth noting that this incident follows a previous incident in March, where a Russian fighter jet forced down an MQ-9 drone over the Black Sea after damaging its propeller. During that incident, the Russian jet intentionally flew in front of the drone and dumped fuel on it, eventually hitting the propeller and prompting the US forces to bring the drone down.
The US has witnessed an increase in these types of incidents with Russian aircraft in recent months. Russian jets have been getting dangerously close not only to US drones but also to manned US fighter jets flying over Syria. Lt. Gen Grynkewich expressed concern over the aggressive maneuvering by the Russian jets, stating that they are deviating from established protocols and trying to act as if they are engaging in a dogfight. This behavior is a cause for concern and potentially dangerous.
These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions between the US and Russia in the region. It is vital for both sides to adhere to established protocols and ensure the safety of all aircraft operating in the area. The US has been vocal about these encounters and has called on Russia to respect international norms and operate in a professional manner.
As the situation in Syria remains complex and volatile, incidents like these underscore the need for constant vigilance and communication between all parties involved. The US and Russia must work towards deescalating tensions and finding common ground to ensure the safety and security of all aircraft operating in the region.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-06 00:21:00
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