Pentagon Reports 7 Instances of Russian Fighter Jets Approaching US and Coalition Aircraft in Syria during August

Russian fighter aircraft approached US F-35 fighter jets and other Coalition aircraft over Syria on seven occasions during the month of August, with some instances of flying within 1,000 feet, according to the Pentagon. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, described the Russian jets’ actions as “unsafe and unprofessional,” stating that they engaged in aggressive maneuvers. This behavior increases the risk of miscalculation and is not reflective of professional conduct, according to Ryder. The most recent unsafe maneuvers occurred on August 25.

In an effort to avoid unintentional mistakes or encounters that could escalate tensions, a deconfliction line has been established between the US and Russia in Syria. However, Russian pilots have a history of engaging with US and Coalition aircraft in unsafe manners.

Back in April, US Central Command reported that Russian pilots attempted to “dogfight” US jets over Syria, indicating a pattern of increasingly aggressive behavior. Dogfighting refers to engaging in aerial combat at close ranges. Videos released by US Central Command in April showed a Russian fighter jet conducting an “unsafe and unprofessional” intercept of a US F-16 fighter jet, as well as a Russian fighter violating coalition airspace and coming within 2,000 feet of a US aircraft.

While it does not appear that the Russian pilots were attempting to shoot down American jets, US officials suspect that they may be trying to provoke the US and draw them into an international incident. In response to these actions, the Pentagon is calling on Russia to cease this reckless activity.

Despite the tensions caused by these incidents, the US remains focused on its mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. The Russian Air Force’s behavior is seen as a hindrance to this mission, and the Pentagon urges Russia to change its course.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-09-02 01:30:00